ARGO Open Debating Competition

An exciting opportunity has arisen for ten senior students to represent the College at the ARGO Open International Debating Competition.

The ARGO Open has been running 6 years and is based in the city of Ploisti about 1-hour drive outside Bucharest in Romania.

The tournament is over the weekend Saturday 21st -23rd Monday September 2019, with registration on Friday 20th and flying back on Tuesday 24th September. Meaning the trip would run from Friday 20th -Tuesday 24th September 2019.

The format of the competition is the World Schools Format – which is a mixture of pre-prepared debates and impromptu motions. Teams consist of 3 to 5 students per squad, with 3 members debating in each debate.

To make it financially viable we will be looking for 8 to 10 students to come on this trip (4 or 5 students per team). There will be two members of staff.

Cost:

Given the last minute nature of the trip and until we confirm numbers, I cannot give a definitive price but we are looking around the £450-£500 mark which includes flight, transport to and from the airport, 4 nights hotel accommodation (twin rooms, single-sex sharing), registration fee and all food. It also pays for the two staff members to come along.  It might be that we could even bring this down slightly depending on numbers and flight price negotiations – flying to Romania is not that expensive.

Registration and Selection Process:

Time is of the essence! Due to the last-minute nature of the trip, we need parents/carers to act very fast if we are going to explore this as a viable trip (and students need to get preparing on the motions).

If your son/daughter is keen to participate – then I need an expression of interest on the following Google Form by Monday 26th August at 5pm (Bank Holiday Monday). If the trip is viable, I will then go about confirming flights and registering us as a delegation.

Registration Form

If there are more than 10 students wanting to come, priority will be given to Year 13, then Year 12 then Year 11 and then on a First Come First Served basis. Given that this is potentially an annual event, I think that is the fairest way decide – so please do have a think and fill in the Google Form asap. We will also need confirmation that you are able to enter Romania without a visa. British (and other EU) Citizens just need a valid passport.

More Information About the Tournament

Take a look at the following information about the competition, including the schedule and the debate motions and, if you have any further questions, please email Mr Hardee on [email protected]

 Further Information