Elected members have congratulated Peebles High pupils, Thomas Dunmur and Laura Eggleton on being crowned overall winners of the Donald Dewar Memorial Debate Tournament for 2020-21
The two S6 pupils were praised at the Council meeting on 17 June, not only for their most recent achievement but also in recognition of the fact that they have held the national title three times in the last five years, namely 2017-18, 2019-20 and again in 2020-21.
The event is organised by the Law Society of Scotland and under normal circumstances, the grand final is hosted in the Debating Chamber of the Scottish Parliament. Due to the pandemic, it was held online this year with Deputy Presiding Officer Liam McArthur MSP opening proceedings with a short, recorded speech.
A total of 64 schools from across Scotland took part, tackling a range of diverse topics over a number of heats that included making voting compulsory, abolishing the Olympic Games, introducing positive discrimination to put more women in the Scottish Parliament and abolishing prison for all but violent crimes.
Peebles High triumphed in the final round on the strength of their arguments that opposed the motion ‘This House would ban opinion polls being published in the build-up to an election’.
Also in the final were Thurso High (runners up), Fortrose Academy and The Royal High School, Edinburgh.
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The winners receive £1k for their school from the Law Society of Scotland, with the winners and runners up sharing educational books to the value of £500, donated by tournament sponsors Hodder Gibson Publishers. The runners up also receive £250, donated by the Glasgow Bar Association and all finalists will receive a book token and commemorative gift to mark their success.
Councillor Carol Hamilton, Executive Member for Children and Young People
“This is such a wonderful achievement and many congratulations to not only Thomas and Laura, but all those at Peebles High who have supported them. The school has a strong record now of doing well in this competition and to have succeeded once again, during these especially challenging times, is a real testament to their commitment and skill.”
Campbell Wilson, Headteacher at Peebles High
“Winning the Donald Dewar Memorial debate tournament 2021 is a massive boost for moral at the end of another challenging year for our school. Laura and Thomas were superb in the final and deserved winners against their fellow finalists.
“Special mention must also be made of their inspirational coach and debate club leader, English teacher Rachel Hyatt, who has nurtured a culture of intellectual challenge and debate over the last five years that has seen Peebles High win the national title three times in the last five years. We are exceptionally proud of our amazing young people and their inspirational teacher.”