Calcutta Boys' School to conduct Inter-School Debate Competition from October 23 to 26

Calcutta Boys’ School will be conducting the Clifford Hicks Memorial International Inter-School Debate Competition from October 23 to October 26 at the school premises. The four-day conclave will witness the participation of young, talented and distinguished student orators from prestigious ICSE/ISC schools across India and abroad.

Calcutta Boys’ School initiated this Inter-School Debate in 2015 to commemorate the life and services of Clifford Hicks, who made the humble beginning as a Teacher of the Calcutta Boys’ School in the late 1940s, but with his commitment and dedicated service made his way to be appointed as the Principal & Secretary; an office he served from 1952 to 1974.

The Clifford Hicks Memorial International Debate plays a crucial role in shaping policies, fostering understanding and seeking solutions. Whether in diplomatic forums, academic institutions, or public spaces, it provides a platform for rigorous discussion and critical analysis.

This debate is a formal contest of argumentation between the participating teams. Each team member takes a stance on a given proposition or resolution. The debate involves presenting arguments, counter-arguments, and rebuttals.

This debate aims to foster Critical thinking -Analyzing complex issues from multiple angles, Reasoning - Constructing logical arguments and Public speaking: Communicating ideas effectively.

In our idea of Debating Beyond Borders the topics include ones involving Geopolitics - Power dynamics, alliances, and conflicts, Human Rights- Equality, justice, and humanitarian issues, Trade and Economics - Global markets, tariffs, and development and Environmental Issues- Climate change, conservation, and sustainability.

This year we are conducting the 8 th edition of the Debate Competition from 23 rd to 26 th October 2024.

23 October 2024 (Wednesday): Pool A Prelims

9.00 a.m. Inauguration Ceremony (CBS Chapel Hall)

9.45 a.m. Draw of Lots for Topic (Pool A, CATEGORIES I & II Prelims)

10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. Preparation Time

11.00 a.m. Debate PRELIMS (Pool A, CATEGORIES I & II) commences

24 October 2024 (Thursday) Pool B Prelims

9.00 a.m. Draw of Lots for Topic (Pool B, CATEGORIES I & II Prelims)

9.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. Preparation Time at Calcutta Boys’ School:

10.30 a.m. Debate PRELIMS (Pool B, CATEGORIES I & II) commences

25 October 2024 (Friday) Category II Finals

9.00 a.m. Inauguration(CBS Chapel Hall)

9.45 a.m. Draw of Lots for the Topic (CATEGORY II FINALS)

10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. Preparation Time

11.00 a.m. Debate commences (CATEGORY II FINALS)

6.00 p.m. Get Together And Fun Evening

26 October 2024 (Saturday) Category I Finals

9.00 a.m. Inauguration (CBS Chapel Hall)

9.45 a.m. Draw of Lots for the Topic (CATEGORY II FINALS)

10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. Preparation Time

11.00 a.m. Debate commences (CATEGORY I FINALS)

2.00 p.m. Closing Ceremony and Prize Distribution. (CBS Chapel Hall)

This year's event has garnered remarkable participation from approximately eighty (80) esteemed educational institutions across India and globally.