The World Schools Debating Championships (WSDC) is the most respected international English-language debating competition for students aged 14-19.
Each year, national debating organisations across the world put together teams of up to 5 of their nation’s best debaters to compete in the Championships. The selected debaters then train hard together to ensure that they are prepared to the best of their abilities.
As well as encouraging competition between the most talented young debaters in the world, the competition aims to promote international understanding and celebrate free speech.
Founded in 1988, this two week tournament provides an opportunity to showcase the highest standard of secondary school debating across the globe. The location of the competition changes each year; recent venues include Turkey, Thailand, Singapore, Germany, Stuttgart and Croatia. The Championship will take place in Colombo, Sri Lanka, 23rd July– 2nd August 2019.
64 countries took part last year with the first all Asia final between India and China. China took the win to become World Champions with a 5:4 split vote from the judges.
Team Manager, Sue Clements: “I am extremely proud of the commitment and dedication to debating shown by all the students who trialled for the Wales Team this year, making it a difficult decision for the team coaches to select the final five. This team have the potential to do really well representing Wales in this prestigious competition – especially with the quality of coaching they will receive from Matt and Lucia”.
Cardiff Sixth Form College Principal, Gareth Collier: “Congratulations to both Angeline and Arianne on their selection for the WSDC Team Wales. This is a high honour and is testimony to the hard work, dedication and commitment that they have shown over their time so far at Cardiff Sixth Form College. Debating has a strong tradition here with students representing Wales on the WSDC National Team for the last three years. This is possible due to the excellently run debating society and the numerous opportunities for representation and practice at intra and inter-school levels as well as participation in prestigious competitions both within Wales and across the UK.”
Picture from left to right: Arianne Banks (CSFC), Manon Hammond (Plasmawr), Huw Jones (Bro Morgannwg), Angeline Wang (CSFC), Sophia Wallo (Coleg Menai),
Co coaches: Matt Hankin (Cambridge University) and Lucia Arce (current best speaker in Europe)
Team Manager: Sue Clements [CSFC)
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