The annual Mayoral Debate for Secondary Schools was held on Wednesday 20 November. Teams from five of the Borough’s secondary schools participated.
As 20 November was World Children's Day, each team presented on the topic of “What needs to be done for Broxbourne’s children to have the best possible future, and who is responsible for doing it?”
The teams spoke for 10 minutes in the Council Chamber at Bishops’ College, illistrating their arguments and, afterwards, were posed a question about their presentation from another competing school. Their views and suggestions were evaluated by a judging panel comprised of the Mayor of Broxbourne, Councillor Sherrie McDaid, Youth Mayor, Havana Marshall, and the Council’s Community Development Manager, Steve Whitlam.
After much thought provoking debate, the winning team was announced as the Goffs Academy, whose members were Ben Agyei-Pryde, Cara Kelly, Charlie Kilkenny and Kaya Ali.
In second place were close neighbours Goffs Churchgate, beaten by just two points, and in third place was the Broxbourne School. The other schools participating were the Robert Barclay Academy and St Mary’s C.of.E High School.
The Mayor of Broxbourne, Councillor Sherrie McDaid, said: I was extremely impressed by the quality of each team’s presentation. They spoke clearly and confidently. They had clearly researched their topic and backed up their proposals with evidence. It was extremely hard to select a winner.”
Every participant was awarded a certificate and the winning team received a trophy which was donated by the Mayor.