The First Oxford-Style Debate of Uniformed Classes Concludes

The event brought together young people, teachers, representatives of uniformed services and visitors of the PROTEGA fair, becoming one of the key highlights of this year’s educational programme.
The debate was organised by the Provincial Headquarters of the State Fire Service in Poznań.

Debate Topic and Course

During the debate, participants tackled a highly relevant and engaging topic:

“The safety guide in brochure form — an outdated relic or an intergenerational educational tool?”

Conducted in accordance with the classic rules of the Oxford format, the debate created a space for substantive, respectful and passionate exchange of arguments. The discussion explored methods of communicating safety knowledge, the effectiveness of traditional educational tools and the role of modern communication technologies in building public awareness.

Participants

Two teams from uniformed-profile schools faced each other in this rhetorical competition:

• Zespół Szkół Mechanicznych im. Komisji Edukacji Narodowej w Poznaniu
• Edukacja Lubasz – Schools named after Ignacy Jan Paderewski

Following a draw conducted by the Debate Marshal, the Edukacja Lubasz team represented the Proposition, arguing in favour of the timeless educational value of brochures. The ZSM KEN team took the Opposition side, defending the thesis that printed safety guides are an outdated form.

Marshal and Jury

The debate was overseen by Artur Lorek, M.A., political scientist and PhD candidate at the Doctoral School of Social Sciences at Adam Mickiewicz University, ensuring high substantive standards and full compliance with debate rules.

The seven-member jury included:

• Prof. Halina Zgółkowa, Adam Mickiewicz University
• Senior Brig. (ret.) Robert Klonowski, Ministry of Interior and Administration
• Senior Brig. Sławomir Brandt, Deputy Greater Poland Provincial Commander of the State Fire Service
• Wojciech Szulc, Deputy Greater Poland School Superintendent
• Lt. Col. (ret.) Zbigniew Machaj, representative of the Marshal of the Greater Poland Region
• Junior Brig. (ret.) Mariusz Roga, Director of the Greater Poland Volunteer Fire Service Association
• Julia Salamon, representative of uniformed youth classes

The presence of such a broad and experienced panel highlighted the importance of the event.

Outcome and Significance

After an engaging and fully substantive exchange of arguments and a detailed assessment by the jury, the winner of the debate was announced. The Edukacja Lubasz team emerged victorious, presenting the strongest case in support of the thesis.

However, it was emphasised that in events of this nature, there are no true losers — both teams demonstrated excellent preparation, strong rhetorical skills and deep knowledge of safety-related issues.

The debate attracted significant interest from PROTEGA visitors. Participants and observers agreed that the event helped develop key competencies among young people, promoted a culture of dialogue and strengthened public awareness in the field of safety and civil protection.