The third BSME Debating Tournament took place at St Christopher’s School, Bahrain on the weekend of 6th - 8th November. Thirty-six teams from schools in Bahrain, Egypt, Pakistan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Qatar took part in this event.
This has grown year by year and for the 2014 tournament there were 136 debates, covering many diverse topics, from anti-aging drugs to the charisma effect of Vladimir Putin, and the European carbon trading scheme.
The teams in the final advanced through seven rounds of debate, four of which involved prepared speech and three were impromptu, with an additional round for seniors.
They later qualified from the quarter-finals and semi-finals.
The final motion was:This House believes that Hacking is Healthy and was contested between St Christopher’s and Sherborne School, Qatar, in the Junior Section; and St Christopher’s and The British School of Kuwait in the Senior Section. St Christopher’s won both sections.
The Gulf Daily News Editor-in-Chief, George Williams presented the winners with their prizes during an awards ceremony.
"Debating is a great way to learn and gain confidence," said Mr Williams.
"Everyone talks about the importance of poise, preparation and performance - but to me the prime ingredient is passion.
"All the best debates, regardless of personal opinions, will only be exciting and convincing if fuelled by passionate belief and plenty of that was in evidence here today.
"In fact the standard of debating throughout this tournament has been phenomenal and I pay tribute to St Christopher's School for staging what has already become a prestigious multicultural event."
"This kind of competition increases the students' confidence in public speaking and helps them think spontaneously.
"It also encourages team work and teaches them research methods."
Mr David Milnes, the Event Host Coordinator said the competition also paves the way for the major World Schools Debate Championships, which take place annually.
St Christopher's, Bahrain
Dhahran British Grammar School, Saudi Arabia
British School of Muscat, Oman
Sherborne School, Qatar
The British School of Alexandria, Egypt
British School of Kuwait
British Overseas School Karachi, Pakistan
