ESU schools competitions

Competitive activities are an important part of developing the communication skills of young people, both for winners and for losers. Young people find their self-confidence increased, their horizons broadened, and their achievements and abilities rewarded in a recognised structure. The ESU provides extensive support across all its competitions for teachers and pupils to do well, and learn from their mistakes. In this section you can find more information about the ESU Schools Mace, founded in 1957, and the ESU Schools Public Speaking Competition, founded in 1960, as well as newer opportunities for smaller numbers of schools; the London Debate Challenge Championships, celebrating and sustaining the 2003-6 London Debate Challenge outreach programme for maintained schools in London; and the Great Shakespeare Debate, a curriculum-specific competition in Stratford, for A-level English students.

Schools Mace International Final 2007 in the House of Lords