Debating

Structured debate is an entertaining and highly effective way of developing articulacy, oration and communication skills, and is an activity close to the heart of the school. There are both Junior and Senior debating teams and in 2009 junior debaters reached the semi-final of the UCD L&H competition, while the seniors won the national Concern Worldwide trophy, their prize being a trip to Kenya. Debating is also scheduled as a part of the curriculum for Transition Year students. We have also been successful in the International Observer Mace competition; the Gael Linn senior debating competition; the Mental Health competition; the European Council invitational event; and in both the Model European Parliament and Model United Nations. In their determination to do so, Sandford's panel of speakers commits an extraordinary amount of time and energy to research, rehearsal and debate.

We are proud to announce that our Gael Linn debating team - Conor McCormick, Harry Harte and Robert Foley - won the All Ireland final on 31st March 2011. Congratulations!