Bishopbriggs Academy Teams Excel at Glasgow Bar Association Debating Competition

That the Parliament congratulates Bishopbriggs Academy on its success as runner-up at the final of the Glasgow Bar Association Schools’ Debating Tournament, held in Glasgow City Chambers on 13 June 2023; commends what it sees as the high calibre of finalists from Bishopbriggs Academy, The High School of Glasgow and Whitehill Secondary School; acknowledges the outstanding achievement that two teams from the same school, Bishopbriggs Academy, won places in the final, which, it believes, is a particularly rare occurrence in the competition’s 34-year history; delights at the passion with which Hannah Fenby, Anna Graham, Sophie Greaves, Callum Mason and Sarah Stevenson represented Bishopbriggs Academy in this prestigious competition; notes the depth of preparation and reflection around the motion of "This house believes that lockdown was a mistake, which could have been avoided"; is captivated by the pupils’ clarity of speech, structured delivery and the passion with which the proposition and opposition teams competed; applauds the spirit of congratulatory encouragement by all when Whitehill Secondary School lifted the trophy as the 2023 winners; extends its grateful thanks to the debate chairman, Mr John McArthur, and the judges and special guests, Ms Annette Mackay, Ms Grace Hendry Nash, Mr Kenneth Gray and Mr Garvie McArdle; acknowledges the phenomenal support of the Bishopbriggs Academy Debating Team coach and RMPS teacher, Mr Keith Gilmour, for his dedication in enabling pupils to develop their debating expertise and grasp opportunities to excel in their skills publicly; notes that this achievement for junior stage pupils follows the recent success of senior stage pupils at the UK-wide Bar Mock Trial Competition, where the school won third place and was given the accolade of Highest Scoring New Team; sends heartfelt thanks to parents and teachers in enabling the young people to develop the skills of critical analysis, research and public speaking through taking part in debating activities, both within the school and at external events, and sends every best wish to each of the participating team members for continued enjoyment and fulfilment in debating.