Year 5 Debating Success

Last week, Whitkirk Primary School proudly hosted the Leeds Debating Competition, and we are thrilled to announce that, out of more than fifty competing teams, Whitkirk has secured a place in the grand final at Leeds City Hall this summer. This achievement marks a milestone in our three‑year oracy journey, led by the relentless commitment of Miss Dougan (English Lead), whose work has transformed once ‘silent classrooms’ into vibrant learning spaces full of purposeful talk, collaboration and full‑sentence responses from Pre‑School upwards. Reflecting on the success, Miss Quarmby, Headteacher, said: “We are incredibly proud of our pupils and staff. This result shows just how far our oracy culture has come and highlights the confidence and voice of our children. We can’t wait for the final.