Pupils at five Merton secondary schools will be vying for the honour to represent Merton at this year’s annual London Challenge Debating final.

Year 8 to 10 students from Ricards Lodge, Bishopsford, Wimbledon College, Raynes Park and St Mark’s Academy will use their wits and powers of persuasion to battle it out for the right to compete in the London Challenge Final next month.

The heats take place on Wednesday 20 May at the Chaucer Centre in Morden between 9am and 3pm. Bishopsford take on Raynes Park whilst Wimbledon College and St Mark’s Academy go head to head debating the issue ‘this house believes that human genetic engineering has gone too far’. It will be a knockout competition with the winning school taking on last year’s champions, Ricards Lodge.

Cabinet member for children’s services Councillor Debbie Shears says:

“Debating is an important learning tool and can also be a lot of fun for pupils. Training for and participating in organised debates helps students to develop the critical thinking skills that are essential for further education and life in general.

“I’d like to wish participating teams the best of luck on the day and I hope everyone has an enjoyable experience.”

The successful team will then have the honour of representing Merton at the English Speaking Union in Mayfair against other London boroughs on 2 July.

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