The Promising International Orators (PIO) debate tournament promotes oral expression and argumentation skills around current international and multidisciplinary issues. Developed from a modified British Parliamentary debate format, the project advocates the development of diversified oral practices. Its goals are to allow students to share their differing views while exercising their debate and public speaking skills. This year, it involves the Lycée Français de Seoul and the Lycée International Xavier, making it a social activity as well, therefore helping the students’ networking skills as well.
The debates are held in English, with 8 people forming one team to represent their school. The 4 debaters and 2 student judges per team range from 3eme to 2nde, and each team has two teacher judges attend each debate.
The 2021 edition was modified in order to accommodate the current global COVID-19 pandemic situation. The debates were therefore entirely held online.
The theme for the tournament is Science and Ethics.
The Members
This year saw the birth of the LFS English Debate team KUDOS, founded by Yuna Jeon 2nde (5th column, second row).
Along with secretary Léa Catel 2nde (3rd column, 1st row) and treasurer Minji Ko 2nde (3rd column, 3rd row), as well as 13 other members from 2nde and 3ème, the students had the opportunity to engage in English debates and discussions, focusing on topics that require great thought, sometimes with outside guest speakers. During their weekly sessions, the KUDOS members exercised their speech, critical thinking, and of course, debate skills.
Here are the results for the three rounds of debate tournaments:
The First Round
The first round of debate was won by the Lycée International Xavier’s team: DMO.
Congratulations to DMO!!!
The Second Round
The second round was won by the Lycée Français de Séoul’s team: KUDOS
Congratulations to KUDOS!!!
The Final Round
The Third and Final Round of PIO resulted in a tie! Check in later to find out what happens next…
The Third and Final Round of PIO resulted in a tie! To resolve this issue, we contacted Mr. Jean-Yves Vesseau, head of @theecolenyc. We are all incredibly grateful that he agreed to help us. Mr. Vesseau’s vote went to KUDOS, making KUDOS the winning team of PIO 2021! KUDOS to KUDOS!
Award Ceremony
Session with Ms. Melnychuck (nutritionist)
In connection with the new year and resolutions, they took part in an annual challenge to go vegan for the month of January called “veganuary” by creating vegan/meatless alternative dishes.
This activity served as an introduction to an open discussion on the concept of veganism and vegetarianism on the 5th of January. To study the nutritional benefits of a meatless diet, they had the honor of welcoming Ms. Jamie Melnychuk, a nutritionist and vegan business owner.
