Student at St Francis Xavier’s College, Woolton has talked way into world debating championships
A LIVERPOOL student has proved he can talk the talk after being chosen to represent England at the World Schools Debating Championships.
Great orator Matthew Handley, 17, a student at St Francis Xavier’s College, Woolton, will make his voice heard on a range of emotive issues at the event being held in Qatar from February 8-18.
He is just one of four students, and the only non-selective school pupil, picked by The English-Speaking Union to fly the flag for the England.
The event will see each country’s teams take part in heats of short debates on pre-prepared controversial topics including whether doctors should report evidence of marital abuse to the police, to allowing all nations to possess nuclear weapons.
They will also be given just an hour to prepare arguments on surprise subject areas.
Matthew’s appearance in Qatar comes after an extensive interview process and previous debating contest successes alongside fellow members of his school’s debating team.
He said: “I am very proud to be representing my country and looking forward to what is a fantastic opportunity.”
A love of current affairs and a desire to “make sure my point is heard” helped foster a love of public debating.
On the secret of his success, he added: “You have to be confident and express your ideas logically. But you must listen to others,” he added.
English teacher Clare Boughey, who runs the school’s debating club, said: “He has a precocious talent.”
