On Tuesday 4th November, 17 students from years 7, 8 and 9 travelled to the Emmanuel Centre, Westminster for this year’s launch of Debate Mate. There, the students were introduced to a number of National and European champion debaters from across the country and was shown how a debate is conducted.  Their topic was “Should bullies be named and shamed?” The students listened carefully and took notes and when the floor debate was opened Ashley Banwo (8R) was chosen to speak in front of over 1000 students from other schools across London. After the event the students were guided around Westminster where they saw the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey before returning back to school. They all now participate in the Debate Mate programme held on Mondays after school.