Students and teachers from several elite secondary schools polished up their debating skills during a day-long visit to City University of Hong Kong (CityU) on 22 November.

More than 200 students and teachers from 18 schools participated in the programme, titled “Discovery & Innovation Debating Challenge”, which was organised by CityU and Young Post, South China Morning Post for the second year running.

The aim was to enhance the secondary school students’ understanding of CityU and CityU’s belief in discovery and innovation, hone students’ debating skills, and enhance creativity, communication and critical-thinking skills.

Aligning with the spirit of discovery and innovation, Professor Arthur Ellis, Provost of CityU, kicked off the programme by showcasing a drone and asking students the challenges of using a drone for delivering the mail in Hong Kong.

He then introduced to the students CityU’s Discovery-enriched Curriculum and the importance of innovation and discovery at CityU.

“All CityU students have the chance to make an original contribution to their field of study as an integral part of their professional education through our Discovery-enriched Curriculum,” Professor Ellis said.

Participants were divided into teams for the tour of CityU’s state-of-art laboratories and facilities, such as the Aquatic Science Laboratory where they learned about the conservation of horseshoe crabs; the Apps Lab where they experienced innovative apps developed by CityU students; the 3D-TV Virtual Studio; and the future cinema studio.

Faculty members introduced undergraduate programmes, the characteristics of the colleges and schools, and information about career development. Some real-life university students shared stories about their discovery and innovation experience, and their vibrant university life at CityU.

Before the debate started, students attended a talk on further academic pathways conducted by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups and a debating-skills workshop hosted by an experienced debating coach.

The 18 schools then divided into nine groups and debated different motions relevant to their visit and talks. The adjudicators said they were impressed by the high levels of creative thinking and skillful debating on display.

The students’ active participation and excellent debating performances were recognised at an award presentation ceremony which concluded the day’s activities.