The Directorate for STEM and VET Programmes has recently launched the 6th edition of the Thematic STEM Debate within Primary, Middle and Secondary Schools. The aim of this initiative is to engage students to become active critical thinkers and skilled debaters. The theme chosen for this edition was ‘Artificial Intelligence’. Student debaters, with the support of their mentors examined reports, audio-visual material and policies, identified strengths and weaknesses of arguments and student debaters presented their points in a round table debate. Prior to the Thematic STEM Debate event, student debaters and their mentors were invited to a public speaking workshop coordinated by Esplora which was highly beneficial.
The Thematic STEM Debate for Secondary School (Year 10/11) students was held on Monday 9th December 2024 and welcomed 9 student debaters; 13 student debaters participated in the Thematic STEM Debate for Middle School (Year 8) students held on Tuesday 4th February 2025; 40 student debaters participated in the initial rounds for Primary School (Year 6) students of which 8 finalists were chosen following the adjudication process and participated in the final debate held on Wednesday 5th February 2025. The Top Three Debaters of each sector were awarded the Top Debater Award. The awards for the 8 finalists for Primary and the Top Three Debaters for each sector were supported by HSBC Malta Foundation and the European Representation in Malta.
This edition of Thematic STEM Debate formed part of STE(A)M Learning Ecologies (SLEs), an EU-funded project (Horizon Europe) in collaboration with the Faculty of Information & Communication Technology, University of Malta.
