AN ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE primary school has some of the best pupils in the country at one skill – end of debate.
For a team from Parochial C of E has come second in Manchester in a competition and fifth nationally.
The Keppel Street establishment took on all comers in Debate Mate, a scheme organised by an educational charity of the same name that aims to tackle educational disadvantage by running debating clubs in areas of high child poverty.
Now the team will head to London for the grand final later this school year.
Debate Mate’s programmes are designed to improve students’ communication skills and help develop critical thinking, confidence, teamwork, and leadership.
This year’s competition saw some of the highest scores ever recorded across the country, with rankings based on the average score of each school’s top-performing team across the first two debates.
And deputy headteacher Jessica Finlay beamed at the latest achievement from a school looking to stand out from its surroundings.
She said: “Our pupils’ dedication to developing their oracy and reasoning has been recognised at the highest level.
“Our team now eagerly anticipates the Grand Final scheduled to be in London, to take place before the end of the summer term.
“Parochial C of E Primary School is a well-established school tucked away near Purple Olive restaurant.
“As we’re set back from the main roads, many people don’t realise we’re here!”