Arthur Terry star Nathan wins debating award

An Arthur Terry student was declared Debater of the Year at a hotly-contested annual competition hosted by The Royal Sutton School, both part of the respected Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP).

Arthur Terry student Nathan Yap took home the prize for Best Speaker at the Sutton Coldfield Schools Parliamentary Debating Competition, after appearing in a team with his impressive fellow sixth former Aisha Ahmed.

Hosted by the Royal Sutton School as last year’s winners, the annual competition, founded by MP Andrew Mitchell in 2003, returned for its 20^th rendition.

Sixth formers and students from eight Sutton Coldfield schools took to the stage to debate thought-provoking topics, including the impact of social media, the prison system and the ethics of animal testing.

Sutton Coldfield College took the top team prize with Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School in second place.

The courage and intellect of all 16 students impressed not only host Andrew Mitchell but the esteemed panel of judges – Gary Phelps, former editor of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Observer; the Mayor of Sutton Coldfield, Councillor John Perks; and Claire Bridges, Chair of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Community Town Hall Trust.

Nicola Gould, Headteacher of the hosting Royal Sutton School, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to host this highlight in all of our schools’ academic calendars.

Andrew Mitchell said: “It is always a privilege to host this wonderful competition. I started the Parliamentary Debating Competition to promote the art of debate among young people, and to celebrate their skill, ingenuity and courage.

“I am so thankful to the staff at our schools, our distinguished panel of judges, and of course the magnificent young people who debated these difficult motions.

“Once again, the Competition has shown just how lucky we are to have such amazing schools in our Royal Town.”

The schools involved in the contest were The Arthur Terry School, Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School, Bishop Walsh Catholic School, Fairfax Academy, the Royal Sutton School, Plantsbrook School, Sutton Coldfield College and Sutton Coldfield Girls’ Grammar School.

All of the participants will be given a tour of the House of Commons by Mr Mitchell later this year, with the opportunity to see real Parliamentary debates in action.

Caption:

Nathan Yapp holds aloft his trophy at the Sutton Coldfield Schools Parliamentary Debating Competition.