The 2nd National Oxford-Style Debate Tournament for Agricultural Schools concludes successfully!

On 20–21 April, 2026, the National Oxford-Style Debate Tournament for Agricultural Schools took place in the Machinery Hall on the grounds of the Poznań University of Life Sciences. The event brought together Secondary School students from across Poland, creating a space to develop skills in argumentation, public speaking and conducting substantive discussions on contemporary challenges in Agriculture.

Oxford-style debates are a unique form of dialogue that teaches not only the art of persuasion, but also attentive listening and constructing arguments based on facts.

We are delighted to have been part of this inspiring event. Thanks to the tremendous commitment of the Faculty of Agriculture, Horticulture and Biotechnology, the Faculty of Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, and the Marketing and Communications Department, we had the pleasure of hosting Secondary School students from across Poland.

A total of eight schools took part in the debates, demonstrating an impressive level of preparation, commitment and a high standard of discussion. The students addressed issues including the future of agriculture, sustainable development, food security, new technologies in agricultural production, and the role of the younger generation in shaping a responsible economy.

Prof. Zuzanna Sawinska, PhD, of the Poznan University of Life Sciences, attended the event’s opening ceremony, emphasising the importance of initiatives that support the development of young people’s skills and promote a modern approach to agricultural education. Meanwhile, Prof. Tomasz Garbowski, PhD, Eng., of the Poznan University of Life Sciences, was present at the official closing of the tournament and the awards ceremony, where he presented the prizes to the participants and congratulated them on their high level of expertise and commitment.

Our experts – Prof. Florian Adamczyk, PhD, Eng. (Faculty of Environmental and Mechanical Engineering), Damian Tomaszewski, Eng. (PULS graduate, AgroProfil), Dr Stanisław Świtek (Faculty of Agriculture, Horticulture and Biotechnology), Prof. UPP Dr Arkadiusz Sadowski (Faculty of Economics),  Anna Kolanoś (Faculty of Agriculture, Horticulture and Biotechnology) – were actively involved in the tournament. They co-formed the judging panel and listened intently to the exchange of arguments, appreciating the high level of substance and maturity of the participants’ statements.

Initiatives of this kind are not only an engaging way to learn, but above all an investment in the development of soft skills: critical thinking, teamwork, public speaking, the ability to articulate ideas clearly, and respect for differing viewpoints.

We congratulate all participants on their courage and are full of admiration for their commitment and level of preparation. Taking part in Oxford-style debates requires not only knowledge, but also self-confidence, quick thinking and the ability to work under time pressure – which makes us appreciate the effort of each team all the more.

The teams representing the following schools took the podium:

1st place – School Complex No. 2 in Ostrzeszów
2nd place – School Complex of Economics and Horticulture in Tarnów
3rd place – Agricultural School Complex in Grzybno

Nikola Wolska from the School Complex of Economics and Horticulture in Tarnów was named the best speaker of the entire tournament.

We warmly congratulate the winners and thank all participants for creating a unique atmosphere of discussion and mutual respect.

We hope that Oxford-style debates will become an increasingly common feature of the educational landscape, serving as a natural opportunity for young people to meet, exchange experiences and develop their skills.

The event was made possible by the Educational Projects Foundation and with the support of Kabat Tyre.

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PULS Marketing and Communications Department