05/06/09: Debating Matters: London

Debating matters because ideas matter. This is the premise behind the Institute of Ideas and Pfizer Debating Matters Competition for sixth form students which emphasises substance, not just style, and the importance of taking ideas seriously.

When the Institute of Ideas launched the competition in 2003/04, it sought to present schools with an innovative and engaging approach to debating. Topical debates and a challenging format appeal to students from a wide range of backgrounds, including schools with a long tradition of debating and those with no experience at all.

We dropped by on Sunday afternoon to talk to some of those taking part and to the organisers of the event, to get an idea of what they got out of the event and why it was important to take part.