Nine primary and middle school students took the stage at Playcon last Saturday 11th October 2025, to debate a current topic – Digital Gaming, more specifically “Do digital games help children learn important skills or simply distract them from learning?” Their energy, preparation and insight turned this STEM event into a celebration of learning through curiosity and confidence.
Together with their mentors, the student debaters researched articles and relevant videos to prepare well-rounded arguments both for and against digital gaming. Their confident delivery, strong reasoning and public speaking skills made them shine on stage as they explored how digital games can shape the way children learn, think and play.
The debate was expertly moderated by Professor Matthew Montebello on behalf of the Faculty of ICT, Department of Artificial Intelligence, University of Malta, while Mr Emmanuel Schembri (HSBC Malta Foundation), Professor Alexei Dingli (Department of Artificial Intelligence) and Ms Natasha Azzopardi (Primary Science Team, DSVP) formed the adjudicating panel that carefully assessed the students’ performances throughout the event. This marked the culmination of a formative journey that began with a Public Speaking Workshop organised by Ms Rebecca Buttigieg on behalf of Esplora, followed by a series of Thematic STEM Debate workshops for primary schools organised by the Primary Science Team. Debating live at Playcon proved to be an invaluable and inspiring experience for these young participants, giving them the opportunity to apply their critical thinking, communication and public speaking skills in front of a live audience.
The atmosphere was one of excitement and curiosity as students confidently shared their perspectives, demonstrating both knowledge and creativity in discussing the role of digital games in learning. Their preparation, guided by dedicated mentors, reflected a deep understanding of the balance between learning through play and the potential distractions of digital games.
Amidst the engaging debate, the Top Three Debaters were announced in alphabetical order:
- Kate Camilleri – St Francis School, Gozo
- Guże Sant – St Michael School, Pembroke
- Ilyas Ige Sultana – Gozo College Middle School
The announcement was made by Ms Isabel Zerafa, Education Officer for Primary Science, while Ms Melanie Casha Sammut, Director for the Directorate for STEM & VET Programmes (DSVP), awarded each of the Top Three Debaters with a trophy. Mr Emmanuel Schembri, representing the HSBC Malta Foundation, also awarded them a three-month Bitsbox subscription to encourage their continued learning through coding and creativity.
All student debaters were further recognised with a sliding puzzle and merchandise bag from the Directorate for STEM & VET Programmes, a book token from the HSBC Malta Foundation and a Blockcert celebrating their participation in this educational initiative.
Heartfelt thanks to the Directorate for STEM & VET Programmes for supporting the Thematic STEM Debate and to the adjudicating panel, debate moderator, mentors and all participants who prepared so thoroughly for this debate. It is evident that the Thematic STEM Debate serves as a platform that helps young students develop the critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills essential for thriving in the 21st century.
The Thematic STEM Debate initiative is organised by the Directorate for STEM & VET Programmes and the Primary Science Team, in collaboration with the Department of Artificial Intelligence, Faculty of ICT, and the Institute of Digital Games at the University of Malta, as well as the Esplora Interactive Science Centre. The event was supported by the HSBC Malta Foundation.
