Norfolk pupils have fiercely competed in the inaugural Great Schools Debate.

On March 15, pupils from five Norfolk schools participated in the competition.

The event took place at Aylsham High School, consisting of pupils from Aylsham High School, Reepham High School, Alderman Peel High School, Greshams School, and Thorpe St Andrew High School.

The discussions covered a wide range of subjects, from the two-party political system to Butler’s 1944 Education Act and the modern schooling system.

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Pupils from each team are said to have articulated their viewpoints well, displaying their knowledge and passion for their chosen topics.

Olivia, Polina, and Alex from Alderman Peel made it to the semi-finals and debated on the modern education system whereas Aylsham's semi-finalists, Millie, Illy, and Clover brought forward a debate about climate change action.

Following difficult judging, Alderman Peel were named the winners and received a large round of applause for their efforts.

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Upon the announcement, Alex, from the winning team, rushed to the podium expressing his appreciation for his teachers' support.

The competition was organised by Jo Bates, the leader of whole school literacy and reading at the host school.

The plan is to run the competition annually, and all Norfolk secondary schools will get the opportunity to take part in it.

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Ms Bates said: “The camaraderie between the students was exceptional, and despite a competitive edge bringing extra excitement to the evening, everyone left satisfied that they had done a great job in representing their topic, themselves, and their school.”