Six schools across the Territory will compete in the Ministry of Education’s annual Inter-Secondary School Debates which begins today February 8.

Participating schools in this year’s debates are: Bregado Flax Educational Centre – Secondary Division, Cedar International School, Ciboney Centre for Excellence, Elmore Stoutt High School, St. Georges Secondary School, and Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies.

Education Officer, Mrs. Heida Selwood said the purpose of the debates is to encourage students to improve their public speaking skills. Additionally, the debates encourage students to explore different viewpoints on issues, promoting tolerance, open-mindedness, and an appreciation for diversity.

She said, “The debates serve as a platform to foster the development of crucial skills among students; these are the skills that the Ministry hopes that every student will adopt.”

The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports is committed to providing students with opportunities that extend beyond traditional classroom learning, focusing on holistic development and preparing them for the challenges of the future. The Inter-Secondary School Debates not only promote healthy competition but also serve as a valuable educational tool, fostering skills that are essential for success in both academic and real-world scenarios.

The schedule for the remaining preliminary round of the debates is as follows: 

Preliminary Round

Debate #3

Date:              Friday, 9^th February

Time:              10:00 a.m.

Venue:            The New Testament Church of God, International Worship Centre

             Activity Hall, Baugher’s Bay, Tortola

Moot:             The BVI is ill-prepared to address the health challenges posed by an

            ageing population.

Proposition:   Elmore Stoutt High School

Opposition:   Bregado Flax Educational Centre

The winner of each debate and the losing team with the highest score will advance to the semi-final round and the winners of each semi-final debate will face off in the final debate.

The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports acknowledges the hard work of all the debaters, their coaches and schools.

Photo 1, 2, 3: Photos from the first two Inter-secondary School Debates on Thursday, 8 February

 (Photo credit: GIS: F. Skerritt)