Newcastle is one of England’s “new” debating institutions but our
roots stretch back to the late 19th century. The Newcastle Junior Union
Society was founded in 1880 where debating was a central part of the
activities. Debating formed a central function of the Union, with the
Debating Chamber being constructed in 1961. The Union Society as it
is now called was founded in its modern form in 1982. Until the early
1990s debating was a part of student life in Newcastle.
Happily, our story is one of decline and rebirth. In 2001 a very few
people, including our DCA Alex Ward, re-founded debating at Newcastle
and formed what is now known as the Newcastle University Debating Society.
Soon, that was followed by the re-creation of the Convenor of Debates
Officer in the Union to bring debating to all the students, not just
members of the Society.
We host an annual – and very popular - International IV, Inter Mural
and various other competitions including the Newcastle-Durham Shield
(alas, Durham currently hold the title for now!). Last year saw the
launch of the Newcastle International Open competition.
Newcastle is a full member of the Scottish Student’s Debating Council;
founding member of the Northern and Midlands Debating Association;
and member of the English National University Debating Council.
Recent times have seen success for debating at Newcastle with breaks
at Prague, Belgrade, Manchester, Glamorgan and Lancaster.
Newcastle debating has a fun feel to it, but it can be bruising and
brutal at times! We always welcome new debating institutions to the
community, and we feel we have a lot in common with the many universities
in the UK and the rest of Europe that have emerged in the last ten
years or so. Newcastle has deep roots, but is always proud to welcome
new friends to our debating. Why not come and join us?
...in brief
Debating
British Parliamentary Debating is about the skill of persuasion
and spoken argument. A debate involves four teams composed of two
speakers. Modelled on the Houses of Parliament, there are two sides
to every debate, proposition and opposition. Each side is made up
of two teams, first proposition and second proposition, and first
opposition and second opposition.
The topic of the debate is set by the motion. A good example
of a motion is “This house would introduce capital punishment”. The
debaters are allocated their positions randomly and have to be prepared
to argue for either side.
Competitors only receive 15 minutes preparation time after the motion
has been announced. This means that debating relies on quick thinking;
mental dexterity and confidence.
Each speaker has a role to play. For example, 1st Proposition opens
the debate and their job is to set up or define the debate.
They will propose a course of action to combat a definite problem
that is given to them in the motion.
Speakers then take it in turns to support or oppose the motion.
Each speech builds on the arguments already presented by their team
mates as well as rebutting the opposite side and presenting new analysis.
Speeches are seven minutes in length but the first and last minute
are known as protected time without interruptions. The middle
five minutes of the speech are unprotected time where the
opposite side can offer points of information. A speaker is expected
to answer one or two points of information during their speech.
Speeches are judged on three main criteria: style, content and structure.
Above all, the speech has to be the most convincing. Individual speakers
are judged on a 100 point scale and teams are placed first, second,
third and forth.
More information about debating can be found on the 'sponsorship'
page.
past debates
The following is a video of the 2007 EUDC Final in Istanbul, Turkey.
Latest News
20 June 2008 - Newcastle Win
Bid
After a hard year of campaigning across the continent, Newcastle
finally presented their bid to host EUDC ‘09 to the European
Universities Debating Council at the 2008 championships in Tallinn.
The Council, which is made up of representatives from twenty-five
countries and regions, heard short speeches by Oskar and Alex
assuring them of their commitment to learn from previous successful
competitions to provide an outstanding tournament.
Meanwhile
Sam offered his experience as a CA, Convenor and Euros DCA as
proof that he would make a fantastic CA for the competition.
After a brief question and answer session, the Newcastle team
were given the unanimous seal of approval.
9 June 2008 - Newcastle
Open
Newcastle is again pleased to announce its International Open
to take place on Monday 9th and Tuesday 10th June 2008. This
is the two days immediately after Durham Open.
Our team cap is set at 60 (no institutional cap), open reg
rules (composite and / or masters teams welcome), with a registration
fee of
£40 per team (may be subject to remission / discount for
non-IONA teams and in cases of extreme financial hardship at
institutions).
There will be no charge for judges, and like Durham we encourage
as many as possible to attend.
We'll be running a 5 round competition, breaking to semis.
Closed motions, Euro-prep style, Our judging team will be led
by CA Sam Block.
More Information can be found on the face book group here,
or on the Newcastle Debating site here.
17 April 2008 - Bob Nimmo Joins
the Team
The EUDC Newcastle'09 bid is pleased to announce that Robert
Nimmo has agreed to join the team as our tabbing expert. Chief
Adjudicator Sam Block has also invited Robert to act in a DCA
capacity in light of his skills and the potential large size
of a Newcastle Euros (200 teams). Bob said "I hope to bring
a new dimension to the NewcastleGateshead bid and I'm very pleased
to be working with a team that's passionate about debate."
Co-Convenors Russell Haswell and Oskar Avery have welcomed Robert
onto the team. Oskar said "I'm delighted at this news. Euros
in the past have had four DCAs, but since Newcastle is proposing
to increase the size by almost a quarter, an extra person on
the Adjudication team is worthwhile." Russell added "Bob
is one of the finest debating minds in the world and the best
technical expert we could possibly have for tabbing. I'm very
excited to have him onboard."
17 March 2008 - Uve Poom is New
DCA
EUDC Newcastle'09 is very pleased to *officially* announce
our DCA appointment. Happily, Uve Poom has accepted our offer
and is now the newest member of our adjudication team.
EUDC Newcastle'09 is delighted to welcome Uve. We think that
he can really bring something special to the bid. EUDC Newcastle'09
has a vision of unity in European debating. Giving parity of
esteem to both ESL and IONA is a central theme in our bid. That's
why we're going to hold ESL and Main Finals in the same venue.
Uve really adds to the depth and breadth of our team - with what
we think are some of the best ESL and EFL talent.
We're still looking to add to our Named Judges list. If you
think you want to support EUDC Newcastle'09 and be a part of
our senior judging team, please
do get in touch!
12 March 2008 - Forum and Newsletter
We're very pleased to announce the launch of our new web forum
and newsletter. Sign up to the forum. Here you'll be able to discuss
European debating and the Newcastle bid. You can also receive the
latest news in your inbox by signing up for the Newsletter. Sign
up by typing your address in the box on the right hand side.
10 March 2008 - Adjudication
Applications
EUDC Newcastle'09 has announced that they have opened applications
for the final DCA slot and named senior judges. The bid team
is looking for people from all over Europe to bring extra depth
and breadth to the bid. Do you have valuable experience or represent
a branch of debating that could enhance the bid?
CA, Sam Block, said
"This is a very exciting stage in the bid process
where we can really add to what is already a very strong team."
