More than 30 students from the City of London Corporation’s family of schools gather to take part in annual debating competition

More than 30 students from the City of London Corporation’s family of schools gathered to take part in an annual debating competition.

The competition, which was held at Guildhall, the City of London Corporation’s headquarters, on Monday (11/03), saw students split into eight teams debating the topic ‘Did nuclear weapons help to make the world safer between 1945 and 1951’. Pupils were split into teams of ‘agree’ and disagree’ to debate the topic.

The City of London Corporation sponsors or co-sponsors10 schools across Hackney, Newham, Islington and Southwark. It also supports one maintained primary in the Square Mile as well as three independent schools.

In 2017 and 2018, Sutton Trust named the City Corporation as the UK’s best academy sponsor for empowering pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds to perform above the national average, and the leading academy sponsor for Progress 8 and Attainment 8, which track pupil progress and achievement.

Henry Colthurst, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Education Board, said:

“Debating strengthens speaking and reasoning skills in a fun and interesting manner, and helps prepare young people for the world of work.

“We arecommitted to providing experiences that enrich and inspire our pupils.

“We want to give young Londoners access to the information, advice and experiences that will help them to progress into fulfilling careers.

“Congratulations to all the students that took part and to the winning teams.”

Andrew McMurtrie, Chair of the City of London Academies Trust, said:

“We are committed to providing outstanding education opportunities for all students.

“Debating is a great way of allowing pupils to engage with a broad range of social, scientific and ethical issues.

“We’re proud of all of our students that took part in the competition.”

Prizes were awarded to the winning teams, the most convincing debater, the most entertaining debater, and best question from the audience.

Winners were awarded vouchers to the Barbican to visit a show or an event.

Students from the City of London Academy Highgate Hill, City of London Academy Southwark, City of London Academy Islington, City of London Academy Shoreditch Park, City of London Academy Highbury Grove, City of London Schools for Girls, City of London School, and City of London Freemen’s School, all took part.

The City of London Corporation’s family of schools has one maintained primary school and 10 sponsored or co-sponsored academies in neighbouring boroughs. It also supports three independent schools.

The City of London Corporation sponsors, co-sponsors or governs the following schools:

Co-sponsored academies

• City of London Academy, Islington (co-sponsor City University)
• The City Academy, Hackney (co-sponsor KPMG)

City of London Academies Trust:

• City of London Academy (Southwark)
• Redriff Primary, City of London Academy
• Galleywall Primary, City of London Academy
• City of London Primary Academy Islington
• City of London Academy Highgate Hill
• City of London Academy Highbury Grove
• City of London Academy Shoreditch Park
• Newham Collegiate Sixth Form Centre City of London Academy

Local Authority maintained school:

• Sir John Cass’s Foundation Primary School

Independent:

• City of London School
• City of London School for Girls
• City of London Freemen’s School