Regional heats for national debate

Alleyn's lent its venue and staff for the day to enable over 200 pupils, from 31 secondary state schools across England to take part in the regional heats for a national debating programme, Up For Debate.

The programmes aim is to help young adults develop life skills by focusing on leadership, organisation, resilience, initiative and communication.

Debates happened throughout the day in numerous classrooms across the school and the day ended with the finalists holding their debate on stage in the MCT at Alleyn's.

Up For Debate is a new national programme and Alleyn's was delighted to be a part of this project.

Background

Alleyn's was approached by the founder and director of The Noisy Classroom, Debbie Newman, an alumna of Alleyn's. She was in need of a space large enough for over 200 people in order to be able run the programme.

Resources

Alleyn's provided 20 classrooms and its theatre for the event and provided management support in the run up to the event and on the day. Technical staff were also on hand throughout the day. Lunch boxes and refreshments were supplied.

Frequency

Alleyn's intend the programme to continue and are looking forward to hosting the event again next year.