WELLINGTON’S Isambard Kingdom Brunel Primary School hosted schools from within the Blackdown Education Partnership (BEP) for a first annual Debating Competition.

Primary school pupils came together for some highly competitive debating which looks set to become an annual fixture.

The event on June 29, saw children confidently present their arguments on a range of topics ranging from ‘We should all stop eating meat’ to ‘Mobile phones should be banned in school’, impressing both the judges and audience with the quality of their speeches.

Competition organiser, teacher Jo Carver, said: “The competition was created to celebrate the role of oracy in our schools.

“Many debating competitions are only available to secondary school pupils, yet our younger students have shown today that they are just as capable of expressing their ideas clearly, presenting evidence-based arguments and listening respectfully.”

Judges praised the children, ranging from 8 to 11years of age for their enthusiasm, preparation and willingness to challenge ideas while supporting their own arguments with clear reasoning.

Even younger children from Year 2 at Orchard Grove Primary School came along to watch the competition and to have a go at speaking in front of an audience.

The children enjoyed taking part in the event, embracing the opportunity to develop their public speaking skills and work collaboratively with their teams.

After a series of outstanding debates, Neroche Primary School from Ilminster was named the overall winner of the competition.

Isambard Kingdom Brunel Primary School in Wellington finished as worthy runners-up following a strong performance throughout the day. The teams from Wellesley Park Primary School and Bishop’s Hull Primary School were applauded for their participation.

A spokesperson for the BEP said: “Congratulations go to all the pupils who took part. Their confidence, determination and ability to articulate their views made the event a great success and highlighted the wealth of talent across the BEP schools.”