The students really enjoyed being able to competitively represent the school, and benefitted greatly from an opportunity to share their views and ideas with students from other schools.
Teacher,
Renfrew High School
SCHOOLS' MACE DEBATING COMPETITION
The Schools’ Mace is the oldest and largest debating competition for schools in the world. It offers pupils in S4 and above the opportunity to debate and explore controversial topics and current affairs.
For information on the 2022-23 Mace, please visit the Mace page of the Young Speakers Scotland website.
"Competing in the Mace was a delight. Not only is it a very prestigious extracurricular activity upon which employers and university admission officers look very favourably, but it also allowed me to develop my communication and critical thinking skills – which put in me in good stead for my university interviews. The feedback you receive, the practice you get over many rounds and the longer speeches, which allow more room for true analysis of your ideas, allow you to develop as a debater more than any school competition I’ve been in. My experience in the Mace leaves me with very fond memories and valuable lessons and it is an incredible opportunity I would encourage every young person to seize!"
Aya, 2016-17 Schools' Mace Champion