Education past and present — Nairn Academy triumphant at 25th anniversary Dewar debate final

Two pupils from Nairn Academy won this year’s Donald Dewar Memorial Debate Tournament, as the event celebrated its 25th anniversary.

The Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh hosted the final of the Law Society of Scotland’s tournament on the evening of Thursday, 12 June, as Charlie Holder and Fraser Cordiner won against teams from Broxburn Academy, Trinity High School and Jordanhill School.

The four teams debated the motion: ‘This house would rather receive an education in the year 2000 than in the year 2025’. Nairn Academy went up against Jordanhill School in the first debate, followed by Broxburn Academy against Trinity High School.

Arguments in favour included schools were fit for purpose in the year 2000 with the lack of social media improving studying environments while those against the motion suggested technology and enhanced support models for all students has drastically improved teaching in the year 2025.

The judges praised all of the participants for their debating, naming Sarah Pym and Lena Zielinska from Broxburn Academy as the runners-up.

Law Society President Pat Thom and Interim Chief Executive Kevin Lang congratulated each of the finalists and all 60 schools who took part across all stages of the tournament.

Speaking after the debate, Pat Thom said: “Congratulations to Charlie Holder and Fraser Cordiner on winning this year’s tournament. The talent all four teams have displayed tonight is nothing short of extraordinary, you should all be very proud of yourselves.

“I am delighted to see the tournament return to the Parliament, particularly as we celebrate its 25th anniversary and honour the competition’s namesake, Donald Dewar. I’d like to thank the Scottish Parliament, the Deputy Presiding Officer, Liam McArthur, our judges, sponsors and volunteers for making tonight such a success.

“The Donald Dewar Memorial Debate Tournament is at the heart of the Law Society’s mission to widen young people’s access to the profession. We are incredibly proud that 25 years later the tournament continues to inspire pupils across Scotland to pursue careers in law and politics.”

The winners, Nairn Academy, received £1,000 and a trophy plate from the Law Society of Scotland and the Glasgow Bar Association, while second place, Broxburn Academy, received £250 thanks to the Glasgow Bar Association.

There was also a floor debate on the night for school pupils in the audience who had competed in previous rounds. The floor prize was won by Faith McDermott from Jordanhill School who won a £50 book voucher.