126 students from 20 schools take part in QSDL debate

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK

DOHA QATARDEBATE, a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, recently organised the 1st Qatar Schools Debating League (QSDL) in English for the current academic year.

The tournament was held at Tariq Bin Ziyad Independent Secondary School for Boys with participation by 126 students from 20 schools. The tournament generated lots of energy and excitement.

The large number of schools involved in the event reflects the keenness and attention of schools’ principals to involve students in debates that have positive impact on students through participation and learning the art of debate and dialogue.

As usual for the tournaments organised by the Center, the participating teams were distributed among the halls for preparation before the start of the debate. Alberta Stevens, the new head of English programme joined moderator Sonia Philip in welcoming all participants, debaters, judges and coaches wishing them luck and success. He also praised the students’ concern to participate in the debates tournament.

The participants debated four motions during the tournament which included: THW (This house would) ban fast food chains in Qatar from upsizing meals and drinks, THW ban civilian gun ownership, THW ban all blood sports, and THW discourage state funding of space exploration.

It is worth mentioning that the total number of debating teams reached a record high of 42 for a local tournament.

Modern Indian School won the first place, Amna Bint Wahab Independent Secondary School for Girls got the second position and Pakistan Education Center the third spot.

The top speaker awards went to the following: Ahmed Kais of Qatar Academy got first place; Sheba George of Birla Public School the second place, Vane Swetah C.S of DPS Modern Indian School won the third spot and Safa Kashaf from Park House was placed fourth.

Khalid al Khulaifi, the judge and a faculty member of the University of Qatar, said that his experience with debate as a debater as well as judge was very useful, pointing out that the debate was not confined to the classroom, but also extended to life outside the campus.