Barking Abbey School in East London has been a dedicated participant in the Debate Mate programme for the past eight years. Under the guidance of English teacher James Wood, who has been involved with the programme for the entirety of its run at the school, Debate Mate has become a key component of student development. This programme has significantly contributed to the growth of students in areas such as confidence, leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, resilience, and aspirations.
The previous programme year was particularly successful for Barking Abbey, as they won the regional round of the Debate Mate Cup competition, thus qualifying for the Grand Final, which was held at Salesforce Tower at the end of the year. Although they didn’t win our national Grand Final, they still finished in the top 5 schools overall for the year. This success is a testament to the culture of debate that has been built into the school.
Debate Mate has had a transformative effect on the confidence levels of Barking Abbey’s students. Mr. Wood highlighted how several students, particularly those who were initially shy or reserved, showed tremendous growth. “Some of the more quiet and shy students who are not that vocal in class, have really thrived in the mentoring weekly sessions,” he shared. He recalled one Year 7 student who was reluctant to join Debate Mate. This student was placed in a live debate in front of 30 peers, and despite early struggles, the support from their teammates allowed them to “continue, where they felt reassured and ultimately delivered a fantastic speech.”
Tobi, a Year 10 student and first-time Debate Mate participant, echoed this sentiment. Reflecting on his journey, Tobi said, “I’ve grown to learn the importance of quiet confidence. Confidence isn’t about being the loudest, showiest person in the room—it’s about being able to carry your own, voicing your thoughts in the best way you know how.” His newfound self-esteem allowed him to excel not only in debating but also in extracurricular initiatives, including successfully advocating for changes to the school’s lunch menu.
Leadership skills have been another notable outcome of the Debate Mate programme, with students stepping up in ways that surprised even their teachers. One standout student, Charles, has shown significant leadership, particularly as a 4th speaker in debates. Mr. Wood praised his progress, noting that Charles “has really excelled in every way. Delivery, style, and content have all been strengths that have grown over the years.” This was particularly evident during the Debate Mate Finals, where Charles “spoke with eloquence and style” to help Barking Abbey win the Debate Mate Cup at Middlesex University.
Tobi also demonstrated leadership in various areas, stating that Debate Mate has taught him how to think on his feet and present his ideas more effectively. This skill has proven useful beyond the debating floor, particularly in his role as a representative in the school’s Race and Social Justice Club, where he advocates for various student groups and engages in fundraising efforts.
Teamwork has been a key aspect of the Debate Mate programme, encouraging students to collaborate and support each other. Mr. Wood explained how the programme fosters an environment where students learn to listen and engage with their teammates’ ideas. He shared an example of how teamwork played a crucial role in the success of the Year 7 student who initially struggled with public speaking: “The whole culture of support from the group, who encouraged and clapped for this student, allowed them to continue.”
Tobi also remarked on how his debating skills and ability to work within a team had improved. “From Debate Mate, I’ve grown to using anecdotes at the start of my arguments, which I think really helps,” he shared, adding that working alongside peers has made his arguments “less blocky—they flow better now.”
The development of critical thinking is one of the most valuable skills students gain from Debate Mate. Tobi noted that the programme taught him to “think on [his] feet” and make quick, effective arguments. He also credited keeping up with current affairs and watching political debates as crucial to his progress.
Mr. Wood observed similar growth across various students, explaining that Debate Mate participants are now applying these critical thinking skills in other academic areas. “They are now speaking with greater authority and leadership in the classroom, which is fantastic to see,” he said. Other teachers have also noticed the students’ enhanced ability to engage with complex topics and bring articulate, well-structured arguments into their academic work.
The consistency and dedication required by the Debate Mate programme have helped students develop resilience and perseverance. Mr. Wood emphasized that students who have participated in the programme since Year 7 and remained committed through Year 10 have shown the greatest progress. “Consistency and work ethic are the main areas that have proven long-term success,” he explained, adding that having strong mentors also played a critical role in helping students stay engaged and grow.
One Year 7 student’s journey from reluctance to delivering a successful speech in front of peers serves as a powerful example of this grit. Overcoming initial anxiety and building resilience in such moments has become a cornerstone of the Debate Mate experience for many students.
Beyond immediate academic benefits, Debate Mate has also helped shape the aspirations of Barking Abbey’s students. Mr. Wood emphasized that the mentors have played an essential role in this. “The mentors have a lot of energy, enthusiasm, and managed to inspire the students to want to speak in public and achieve their best,” he said. Students have been eager to ask their mentors about their university experiences, with many interested in “what subjects were studied at GCSE, A-level and beyond, and what [the mentors] would have changed about their journey thus far.”
Tobi, for instance, expressed his curiosity about the mentors’ education pathways, particularly their routes to university. He appreciated the openness of the mentors, who provided insight into topics such as degree apprenticeships and university clearing. These discussions have helped broaden students’ horizons, especially for those aspiring to attend prestigious universities, including Russell Group institutions.
Barking Abbey School’s involvement with Debate Mate over the past eight years has profoundly impacted its students, helping them develop essential skills that will serve them in future academic and professional pursuits. As Mr. Wood noted, students have gained “confidence, leadership, and critical thinking” skills that extend far beyond the debating stage. From students like Charles, who led his team to victory in the regional finals, to Tobi, who learned the power of quiet confidence, the programme has instilled values of teamwork, resilience, and aspiration in all who participated. Debate Mate continues to be a transformative force for Barking Abbey students, helping to shape the next generation of leaders.
