Saturday’s trip to New York was exhilarating and exhausting in equal parts, so Sunday began with a well-deserved lie in for the participants. An overnight thunderstorm meant that the air was nice and fresh when they came down for breakfast and registration.

The reduced humidity allowed the participants to spend some time outdoors, either chatting or doing some homework and making the most of the quieter morning.

After lunch, there was a workshop in which everyone developed the fundamental skills of debating. A few were even given random topics to talk about in front of the whole group.

The participants were then given the arena for a wider debate about university fees and whether higher education should be free. Taking it in turns to speak, members of the opposing sides made their points very persuasively and also demonstrated respect for their opponents.

In the evening a number of the participants experienced red carpet treatment with a trip to the cinema. There was a selection of three of the latest blockbusters, with Toy Story, Spider-Man and Yesterday all chosen. The films went down very well, as did the popcorn and other snacks!

It was a highly successful Sunday and spirits couldn’t be higher ahead of the second week of academic sessions!