Glenalmond Junior Debating Competition

On Sunday 3 February, four teams of Form I debaters headed off to compete in the prestigious Glenalmond Junior Debating competition.  The Dollar pupils, accompanied by Mrs Murray and Mr McEwan, were up against a number of excellent teams from all over Scotland. 

Dollar entered four teams:

• Scott Gillen and Euan Johstone
• Anna George and Alix Brewster
• Katie Ross and Kirsty McAloon
• Jennifer Duncan and Lauren Hill

Each team participated in a first and second round of debates on the issues of childhood obesity and capital punishment, with each pair being awarded a score out of 100.  At the end of these two rounds, all twenty one teams in the competition were ranked, with the top four teams then progressing on to the final.  Despite the very tough competition, Dollar was able to produce the top two teams of the competition up to this point with Anna George and Alix Brewster occupying first place and Jennifer Duncan and Lauren Hill second.

The two Dollar teams faced very strong opposition from Cargilfield and Craigclowan in the final, debating the issue of the factory farming of animals.  After a very close and tense debate, the judges were able to return their unanimous decision: Anna George and Alix Brewster were declared the Glenalmond Cup 2008 winners.  All in attendance had a very busy and enjoyable day of debating.