Cambridge Union Schools Debating
The Cambridge Union Schools' Debating Competition is teaming up with CUSU Access this year to help increase the opportunities available to students who wouldn't traditionally consider applying to Cambridge. We think getting involved in debating is something that can be enormously beneficial to students, and think the experience and motivation of those in CUSU Access offers the perfect gateway to attract schools that don't traditionally enter the competition. The competition's convenors have put in place a raft of measures to make the competition accessible to all schools, regardless of financial circumstances or prior debating experience. So why debate? And how can we help you get started?
How debating helps
Debating not only helps students to become more confident and persuasive public speakers, but it also increases your capacity to think analytically and formulate convincing arguments - helping with all logic-based academic work. Being involved looks fantastic on CVs and personal statements - it's seen as an indicator of intellect, communication skills and the ability to undertake responsibility for self-motivated learning.
And it can also help you prepare for the Cambridge supervision system. Thinking on your feet and responding to complex issues in a coherent and analytical fashion is something debating requires and develops. We also invite the competition's finalists to travel to Cambridge and the Union, putting you in contact with the University, making it seem less intimidating and removing negative stereotypes some people traditionally associate with Oxbridge. Indeed, that debating requires close consideration of the viewpoints of others itself helps you to go beyond first perceptions and stereotypes by forcing you to evaluate information critically and developing awareness and understanding of many of society's most pressing issues.
Sound interesting?
It doesn't matter if you've never seen a debate before or if your school doesn't offer it as an extra-curricular activity; we can help you to get started. Whether you need advice on setting up a debate club, you'd like us to run a workshop in your school or you'd like to be set up with a Cambridge debating mentor, we can help get you on your feet.
To find out more about this project, visit the Cambridge Schools Debating website or contact the debating committee or the CUSU Access Officer.