Heather Secondary Learners Gain Valuable Skills at Umgeni Debate League Training

On 1 February 2025, learners from Heather Secondary School attended the Umgeni Debate League (UDL) Training at Haythorne Secondary School, an enriching and informative session designed to equip young debaters with essential skills for competitive debating.

Heather Secondary was proudly represented by two Senior Debate Teams and one Junior Team, all eager to enhance their critical thinking, argumentation, and public speaking abilities. The training provided an in-depth exploration of debate structures, effective rebuttal techniques, research methods, and persuasive communication, ensuring that learners gained a deeper understanding of the art of debating.

Throughout the session, participants engaged in interactive workshops, mock debates, and strategy discussions, where they received valuable feedback from experienced debate coaches and adjudicators. The training also emphasised the importance of teamwork, active listening, and quick thinking, which are crucial in high-pressure debate settings.

Beyond the technical skills, the UDL training encouraged learners to think critically about global and local issues, helping them become more informed and articulate young leaders. The event was a fantastic opportunity for our teams to network with fellow debaters from other schools, fostering a spirit of healthy competition and intellectual growth.

Heather Secondary School extends its gratitude to the Umgeni Debate League and Haythorne Secondary School for hosting such an insightful and inspiring session. As our teams prepare for upcoming competitions, we are confident that the knowledge and experience gained from this training will serve them well in future debates.

We look forward to seeing our young debaters shine and continue representing Heather Secondary School with excellence and determination in the Umgeni Debate League!