Congratulations to all my 1BC students involved in this event as foreign journalists! Here's one of their reports.

Mrs Martin

S.-P. Times 

23rd May 2023

 We attended a debate in Condorcet highschool about 5G. During this event, we had the chance to interview juries, debaters and the audience.

Stressed or confident ?

« We have a lot of arguments and we think we can win » a debater from the 5G opponents said.

Conversely, the 5G supporters were not in the same state of mind: “Maybe not win but we will do our best”.

Some were excited while others were anxious, but everybody was ready to debate for their side ! “We are stressed, anxious and we are afraid to find good answers to opposing arguments.” the 5G opponents said.

Among coaches helping the beginners, the atmosphere was about the same. When we asked them which side was going to win, many answered it would be the opponents, because according to the rehearsals, they had good arguments.

Divided opinions

During the debate, many arguments were given by each team. 5G would be a revolution, it would be a technology that would change lives.  

According to the pro 5G team, it would allow a better connection, and could potentially accentuate teleworking.  It would be a great technology for the French economy (+3 billion euros) and for the European economy (+6 billion euros).

But the 5G opponents did not have the same opinion, since 5G has a real impact on social relations.  It could even cause infertility, which therefore calls into question the need for the spread of 5G.

"We really loved this moment !"

After tight arguments, the debaters wrapped up, the stress dropped, and the crowd cheered!                                                                                                              

 "We really loved this moment! And our group was doing well. Our only problem will be a lack of argument to send back" the pro 5G team told us.

On the contrary, the other team was quite confident, since one of the debaters told us: "I think we did well and we hope to win!" 

For their part, the audience had mixed opinions: "I think the team will win" an anonymous student said, while the person next to her replied "I think it's the team against who will win"                                                                                    

Information was also taken from the side of the jury which included 3 final year students, 2 teachers, the high school headteacher, as well as the director of a local youth association, the director of political projects for the city and a social worker.

This one also answered a few questions saying, "I've never been a judge but I was really looking forward to this event. I'm not disappointed and can't wait to find out who the winner is! ” The feedbacks are therefore very varied and the suspense high!

And the winner is...

Finally, the winners of these debates were the opponents to 5G. Contrary to what we thought, because for us the 5G supporters would win. Indeed, the counter-argument of the team against was not necessarily well exploited and did not respond very well to the argument of the pro 5G side. It was also rather repetitive.

However, they deserve their victory!

What about next year ?

 We were able to interview some people for possible topics of debate for the coming years and the recurring themes were: drugs, alcohol and sexuality. What do you think, would you attend future debates?

By Loriane, Flavia, Anaé, Océane, and their debating guest Lise. 

Organisation of the debates : Mrs Madec and Mrs Sauvebois, along with Mrs Fayolle, Mrs Houncheringer, Mr Mazurek, Mrs Tena, Mr Toussaint, Mrs Vienot.

Debating pupils : HGGSP class (History, geography, politics), science class.

Sponsored by : Auvergne Rhône-Alpes Region, Lyon Metropolis, Saint Priest city, parents' association FCPE.