Students from sixth form colleges across Oldham went head-to-head last month in the first debating championship of the borough which saw one pupil crowned 'the best' for her approach.

On Friday, October 18, the Oldham Debating Championships was launched in the borough, inviting college students from Crompton House, Bluecoat, Hulme and Oldham Sixth Form to challenge one another in this inaugural event.

Representing Crompton House, Briany, Brooke, El and Lola stepped up to the mark and fought off the fierce competition with both pairs of debaters winning the competition. 

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A personal honour was also awarded to Brooke who was chosen as the 'best individual debater' as she tackled the complex issue ow whether phones should be allowed in classrooms.

When asked about her debate and how her team prepared, Brooke said: "I personally debated that phones should be allowed in the classroom - we were not able to choose which side we wanted to argue for - and the other topic was 'should humanity fear AI?'

"We were aware of the competition for a week, which was a bit of a surprise, but Mr Mason and Mrs Horrocks helped us prepare at dinner times and even after school.

"I absolutely loved it but I was terrified at first and I thought it was an amazing opportunity.

“The girls were all incredible and we worked together really well and cheered each other on - I couldn’t have done it without Briany next to me.

"El and Lola’s fantastic performance was the reason we were competing for first place."

The youngster continued: "We had only done one debate in debate club so this was my second time debating ever, so I really didn’t know what to expect but I felt I had done enough research to feel confident.

“I hope there will be another opportunity to debate with the girls soon.”

Crompton House has since congratulated the girls on their "excellent performances" and "now historic achievement", adding: "There can only be one first-time winner of the competition."

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