This past Saturday, Saltus was delighted to host the 30th Annual Bermuda Junior Service League’s (BJSL) National Schools Debating Tournament.

The tournament saw teams from five schools: Sandys Secondary Middle School, the Bermuda High School, Somersfield Academy and Saltus Grammar School.

The tournament was divided into three preliminary rounds followed by a final round. The competition also included the work of coaches, chairpersons and timers, and a number of volunteer judges, several Saltus Alums.

The BJSL National Debate Senior School Final was held in the Saltus Alumni Hall and was buzzing with excitement from the friends and families of the debaters as well as two special guest attendees: His Excellency Governor Mr John Rankin and Hon Wayne Furbert, JP, MP. Everyone was thoroughly impressed by the persuasive arguments and skill displayed by the debaters.

Middle school students debated whether or not we should eat meat, while high school debaters debated whether or not private schools should be banned. The students also had to prepare unaided for a surprise Impromptu Motion which they received one hour before the third round of debates.

One of the senior school Saltus team made the finals against Bermuda High School with the prepared motion of “This House would ban private schools”. A provocative topic especially as His Excellency Governor Mr John Rankin and Hon Wayne Furbert, JP, MP were in attendance! They enjoyed the debate and our Saltus team made a terrific argument.

It was a successful day filled with high energy, convincing arguments and a great showcase of the talented students on the island.

The winner of the middle school debate was the Bermuda High School B Team and the winners of the high school debate was the Bermuda High School.

Top speaker prizes for Saltus students were awarded to Giselle Concepcion, second place overall; Ywione Darrell, third place overall. These were particularly pleasing results as the Debate Club is largely student-led with the majority of coaching and organisation facilitated by Giselle Concepcion (SGY1) and Ywione Darrell (SGY1).

Saltus Team A

Giselle Concepcion (SGY1)

Ywione Darrell (SGY1)

Daniel Ossett (SGY1)

Saltus Team B

Cameron Lucas (SGY1)

Kara Dallas (SGY1)

Morgan Rossiter (SGY1)

Watch this space as Saltus will be hosting the Bermuda Spring Debating and Public Speaking Tournament from 27- 29 February 2020!

The 30th Annual Bermuda Junior Service League’s (BSJL) National Schools Debating Tournament included Sandys Secondary Middle School, The Bermuda High School, Somersfield Academy, and Saltus Grammar School.

It was a successful day filled with high energy, convincing arguments and a great showcase of the talented students from across the island.

Top Speaker awards were presented to the top 5 students in the Middle School and Senior School divisions with students from BHS, Sandys Secondary Middle School and Saltus all being recognised.

This tournament, and others like it, are only possible because there are dedicated individuals in each school willing to work with students; there are companies and organisations willing to donate their time and money to fund these events; and there is a select group of individuals to coordinate and convene the tournament.

Thank you for the generous and thoughtful members of the public willing to donate their time to judge these events and provide invaluable support and feedback to our students and most importantly the eager, enthusiastic and dedicated students who want to debate.