Craigmount High Debating Team

That the Parliament congratulates the pupils at Craigmount High School in west Edinburgh on their success in the University of Durham Schools Debating Competition; applauds The Capital Kids, Craigmount High’s debating team, for reaching the quarter finals of the competition by defeating schools such as Eton and Dulwich, which are two fee-paying schools; commends the determination and energy of the pupils, including Freddy Simmonet-Lefevre and Sean Andrew, who are aged 17; recognises this victory follows the success of Aiden Shiels and Andrew McDiarmid in winning the University of St Andrews debating competition, which is one of Scotland’s largest such competitions; recognises the role of the teacher, Andy McPake, in producing such outstanding results; notes the aim to encourage self-confidence in young people; acknowledges the importance of collaboration among young people across the country, and wishes the Craigmount pupils all the best.