Debating Matters at the Cheltenham Festival of Literature

Following the success of the pilot Debating Matters sixth form competition we ran last year, we’re delighted to be working with the Cheltenham Festival of Science and the Cheltenham Festival of Literature to host a day of debates at the Literature Festival on Tuesday 12 October.

Chase School, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Downfield Sixth Form and GLOSCAT will battle it out to demonstrate their knowledge and passion for intelligent argument over the following topics:

9.35-10.50am – Animals should have right just as humans do.

11am-12.15pm – Reality TV is dumbing down British broadcasting.

1-2.15pm – Conceptual art is not real art (tie-break – only if required).

1-2.15pm OR 2-30-3.45pm – Human genetic engineering is a step too far (Final debate: timing dependent on tie-breaks).

Hodder Murray, the competition’s prize sponsor, will award £750 of books to the winning school and £500 of books to the runner-up.

The debates are free to attend and all are welcome to take this opportunity to argue with young people about issues that matter. Places can be booked by calling the Cheltenham Festival of Literature hotline on 01242 227979. Check out the Festival’s excellent 2004 programme (8-17 October) at www.cheltenhamfestivals.co.uk