On Thursday, 19 June 2025, students from the English intensive classes (Q2) of DatheGymnasium Berlin took part in the 10th anniversary of the Debating Matters Berlin Championship, hosted at the University of Applied Sciences Europe. The tournament brought together students from all across Berlin to debate some of the most pressing and controversial issues of our time. Even more impressively, it was conducted in English, in front of a live audience and expert judges.
This was the first time Dathe-Gymnasium participated in Debating Matters even though the idea had already proven successful elsewhere. Our principal, Mr Mücke, was first introduced to Debating Matters during his time at Humboldt-Gymnasium, where he witnessed how the format inspired students to think deeply, argue effectively, and engage openly with diverse perspectives. Drawing from that experience, he brought the programme to Dathe-Gymnasium, offering our students the chance to take part in this unique and challenging debate event.
The Debating Matters programme places emphasis not just on speaking skills, but on well-researched arguments, structured thinking, and respectful exchange – qualities that are more important than ever. In the weeks leading up to the tournament, we, the students of Dathe-Gymnasium, prepared intensively, analysing complex topics and practicing rebuttals under time pressure.
Though we did not get the chance to be in the finals this year, it was a great learning experience and we are staying optimistic for next year’s competition.
The 2025 tournament also honoured Sabine Beppler-Spahl of the Freiblick-Institut, who founded Debating Matters Berlin in 2015 to give students a platform for thoughtful debate on important issues. Her commitment was recognised throughout the event.
A big “thank you” to all organisers, judges, and participants for making this anniversary tournament a great success! We’re already looking forward to winning 😊 next year. Here you can find our certificate.