The competition, held simultaneously in Spanish and English, took place at the Brains Maria Lombillo School in Madrid on November 17 and 18.
Madrid, November 20, 2023. – Should European countries completely eliminate the use of nuclear energy as a source of energy? is the question on which more than 350 students from 34 schools have debated with their arguments in the First Qualifying Tournament of the CICAE – UCJC Pre-University Debate League.
Before the start of each debate, the judges draw lots as to whether the team is debating for or against, so they must have all positions prepared, in order to amplify their knowledge of the subject and their tolerance of all ideas. This premise favors their critical thinking and respect for the diversity of ideas and perspectives that may arise on a controversial and topical issue such as the one that has been the protagonist of the first debate of the tournament.
The teams defending the use of nuclear energy in Europe argued, among many other arguments, that it is a source that maximizes energy production while minimizing carbon emissions. Opponents mainly warned that beyond the risk of an accident, the issue of radioactive waste has not yet been resolved.
Finally, the team ‘Peripateticos’ from Arturo Soria School in Madrid was proclaimed champion in Spanish, while the team ‘The Radionuclides’ from Oak House in Barcelona won in English. The titles for best speakers of the tournament went to Sofía Feord (Colegio Mirabal) in the English category and to Laura López (Colegio Mirasur) in the Spanish category.
A training project
All participants in the Debate League, students between the 3rd year of ESO and 2nd year of Bachillerato, receive training throughout the year from experts in competitive debate. In addition, webinars are organized during the course to deepen the topics to be discussed and bibliography is provided so that they can advance in their preparation.
The practice of debate among schoolchildren is aimed at developing public speaking skills, teamwork, as well as the search for truthful information, the analysis of evidence or the definition of arguments on the issue to be addressed.
The Debate League promoted by the Association of Private and Independent Schools – CICAE and the Camilo José Cela University, is joined each year by schools that are committed to give prominence to debate in their classrooms, and 34 schools throughout Spain are part of the initiative.
