The Pre-Quarter Finals of Slater Debates 2025 unfolded with electrifying enthusiasm at Bishop Cotton School, Shimla ,showcasing some of the most intense verbal duels of the season. The day started with a traditional chapel service and ended with an engaging seminar and dinner—marking a perfect blend of tradition, intellect, and camaraderie.
Start of the Day: Chapel Service & Group Photograph
Participants began their day with a spiritually enriching service at the Holy Trinity Chapel, where they learned about the legacy of Bishop Cotton School and the prestigious history of the Slater Debates. The event continued with a group photograph at Irwin Hall, the historic venue for the final rounds.
Morning Session Debate Highlights
Auckland House Boys vs St. Stephen’s School
Motion: “The next major war will be fought in cyberspace rather than on ground.”
Despite strong arguments from both sides, the emphasis on traditional warfare helped St. Stephen’s School edge out the win as the motion was lost.
Vasant Valley vs Cathedral and John Connon
Motion: “Advocating mental health is turning into a trend rather than solving real issues.”
A close battle saw Cathedral and John Connon take victory, debunking the idea of mental health being a passing trend.
Auckland House vs GEMS, Dubai
Motion: “AI-driven automation, not illiteracy, is deepening inequality.”
The impact of illiteracy and poverty weighed heavier. GEMS, Dubai won as the motion was lost.
St. Thomas vs La Martiniere Girls
Motion: “Tracking devices are necessary on student ID cards.”
The right to privacy was upheld, and La Martiniere Girls won as the motion was lost.
Special Feature Debate: BCS vs Auckland House Boys
Motion: “All student loans need to be forgiven.”
Bishop Cotton Light Blue team delivered an exceptional performance, with Aarav Wadaskar bagging the Best Speaker award. The motion was carried in their favour.
Other Notable Morning Results
- Cathedral and John Connon defeated Vivek High School on the motion about AI surpassing human intelligence.
- La Martiniere Girls edged past BCS Dark Blue in a creative debate on abstract art.
- La Martiniere Boys beat Auckland House in a strong case supporting the ban on fast food in schools.
Afternoon Session Results: More Drama Unfolds
BCS Light Blue vs St. Stephen’s School
Another strong performance from the Light Blue team of BCS, securing their place in the next round.
BCS Dark Blue vs St. Thomas School
Bishop Cotton Dark Blue also claimed victory, maintaining a strong position in the competition.
Vivek High vs Vasant Valley
Motion: “Social media has improved relationships, not reduced them.”
Vivek High convincingly defended the proposition and won.
GEMS, Dubai vs La Martiniere Boys
Motion: “All schools must have armed security guards.”
A thought-provoking topic ended with La Martiniere Boys taking the win, as the motion was passed.
Qualified Teams for Quarter Finals – Slater Debates 2025
Here are the top 8 teams advancing into the knockout stage:
- BCS Light Blue
- BCS Dark Blue
- Cathedral and John Connon
- La Martiniere Girls
- Vivek High School
- St. Stephen’s School
- La Martiniere Boys
- GEMS New Millennium
Beyond the Debates: Seminar & Dinner
To cap off an intellectually rigorous day, participants attended a Cybersecurity seminar, gaining valuable insight into modern threats and safety protocols. The evening concluded with a sumptuous dinner at Orchids Hotel, Shimla, where participants bonded and shared experiences.
A Day of Debate, Insight, and Camaraderie
The Pre-Quarter Finals of Slater Debates 2025 proved to be a defining chapter in this year’s competition. With top-tier schools delivering high-level discourse, the stage is now set for thrilling knockout rounds. Stay tuned for daily updates and exclusive insights into the battles to come.
