This past weekend, two teams from the school's debate club traveled to Molina (Málaga) to participate in the 6th edition of the Cánovas Foundation Debate Tournament, which is also part of the National Debate League, to debate, along with teams from schools all over Spain, the topic: "Should the State recover powers from the Autonomous Communities?", a topic as current as it is complicated for students between 14 and 17 years old.
On this occasion, students from 3rd year of ESO attended this tournament, participating for the first time in a debate tournament, and students from 4th year of ESO, for whom it was the second time.
Our students' performance was spectacular and flawless. They defended every debate they participated in, some against teams from the second year of Baccalaureate, emerging victorious from each one and surprising the judges with their youth. Proof of this came in comments such as, "They have a great future in this field," or "How is it possible that at 14 years old you can explain Public Spending so well when I'm only in my third year of university studying it now?" There were countless other similar remarks. All of them received congratulations from the various judges they encountered.
Finally, one team qualified to compete in the round of 16 where they lost against a 2nd year high school team from one of the schools with the longest tradition in debates, achieving a well-deserved ninth place in the overall ranking of 24 schools from all over Spain.
From that moment on, they began to be the audience for the other debates, watching the quarters, semis and final, in which they enjoyed themselves and learned a lot.
Phrases such as
"I want to continue the debate."
"When will the next tournament we'll be attending be?"
"If I can come back next year, I'll do it without hesitation. I had a great time."
"I think it's the first experience that has made me so nervous, but I really enjoyed it and had a lot of fun."
"I loved doing the debates and it was an unforgettable experience."
"We're still a long way from being good, and now it's time to correct our mistakes for the upcoming tournaments, which are sure to come."
"I loved it and I don't want to go home. I don't regret coming at all and I had a great time."
"I've grown, improved, and had a great weekend."
"This trip has taught me more than I expected, and I've met people who are interested in and enjoy the same things as me."
These comments demonstrate the positive impact of this activity at all levels. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the entire team of teachers who, in one way or another, make this possible, and once again: congratulations to the outstanding students we have at Lope de Vega.
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I am Hugo's grandmother.
I am very proud of our boys and the great work they do.
Much strength and enthusiasm to continue…!