A group of school children have had their public speaking skills put to the test by a charity project aimed at boosting social mobility through after-school debating.

Over the last year, students from Hatch End High School have been taking part in the national Debate Mate programme, and on March 22 they went to Westminster Kingsway College for the regional cup final.

Thirteen Hatch End High School students participated in the three rounds of debates against twenty different teams, with topics ranging from building houses on Greenfield sites, to extending membership of the UN’ Security Council.

The Hatch End High children split into two teams, and Team One were given 15 minute to prepare their argument: “This house believes that social media has had a detrimental impact on society”.

They won the regional competition and were presented with individual medal and a regional cup trophy. They have go through to the Debate Mate Grand Final.

Hatch End High School head teacher, Ms Sue Maguire, said: “I am very proud of our students for taking on, in a public forum, the vital life-skill of debating.

“All of the evidence shows that any young people exposed to these kinds of opportunities achieve academic success and greater life choices.”

The Debate Mate project aims to lift speaking and listening abilities in children, while improving their non-cognitive skills such as leadership and confidence.

Debate Mate is an educational charity that focuses on improving social mobility and teaching through debate programmes, and teacher and student training schemes across the UK.

For more information visit https://debatemate.com/