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Two Year 8 pupils from Hurst, Fergus S and Rafe T, delivered an impressive performance at the first IAPS debating competition hosted by St Andrew鈥檚 Prep, Eastbourne.听

Their journey began with a highly competitive inhouse debate, after which the pair were selected to听represent听the school. In the opening round of the event, Fergus and Rafe joined forces with a duo from Bede鈥檚 to argue in favour of the motion: 鈥淭his House Believes That AI in Schools Does More Harm Than Good.鈥�听

Each participant听was required听to speak for five minutes, with the first and fifth minutes protected from interruptions. Between minutes two and four, however, opposing teams were free to challenge speakers with points of information. Competitors had to decide in the moment whether to accept or decline these challenges,听knowing that refusing too many could听impact听their score.听

Despite this being their first experience of formal debating, the boys rose confidently to the challenge. Their clear delivery, strategic engagement with interruptions, and strong teamwork earned them a place in the second round. Staff from other schools praised them for being the听only听debaters to speak without notes, as well as for delivering some of the most effective challenges of the morning.听

In the second round, Fergus and Rafe were paired with pupils from St Christopher鈥檚 and given just twenty minutes to prepare arguments听against听the motion: 鈥淭he UK should follow the example of Australia and ban social media for under-16s.鈥� With limited preparation time, all teams debated energetically and with conviction. Although Brighton College听Prep听Handcross听ultimately prevailed听in this round, the Hurst pupils left with newfound skills and听a strong sense听of accomplishment.听

Both Fergus and Rafe said they thoroughly enjoyed the experience and valued the opportunity to compete alongside and against pupils from other schools. Their sportsmanship and enthusiasm were widely noted throughout the event.听

Inspired by the competition, they now plan to collaborate with other SPS pupils who took part in the selection process to organise an inter-house debating event. Their aim is to introduce more young people to the art of debating and continue building momentum in the Prep School鈥檚 debating culture.听