KING’S Ely Senior student, Isabel Mitchell, has been announced the winner of this year’s South East Cambs Schools Parliamentary Debating Competition!
The competition, now in its sixth year, is organised by local MP, Lucy Frazer MP, and sees secondary school students from across the district battling it out.
This year’s competition started off as normal with Mrs Frazer visiting schools and hearing students putting their points across, but it soon had to be held virtually due to Covid-19, with students submitting short video clips portraying their thoughts on ‘does politics matter’?
Isabel, who is in Year 11, is delighted that her video secured her the winning title! She said: “I am thrilled to have won the Parliamentary Debating Competition. I entered in order to stretch my abilities and this competition has improved my confidence and other skills like researching, giving points of information and condensing my argument. I love debating because it creates interesting discussions and raises important questions.”
Speaking about the competition, Mrs Frazer said: “The annual Parliamentary Debating Competition is a wonderful way for students across our area to learn about the importance of expressing ideas, persuading others, and learning to engage in politics.
“I was delighted to visit schools across South East Cambridgeshire to meet with students. Due to Covid-19, students submitted video submissions rather than take part in a traditional final, and all of the submissions were excellent.
“Isabel’s very impressive video talked about the importance of taking part in the political system, and how constructive debate can make a real and positive difference. I congratulate her on winning the competition, which is a wonderful achievement, and wish her the very best in the years ahead.”