students a run for the money in a series of debates last week.

The Canadian all-boys team wore kilts for their verbal battles against teams from Mount Saint Agnes Academy, Bermuda High School for Girls and the Whitney Institute.

St. Andrew's debate coach Daniel Reid said: "The guys have been doing absolutely great.

"When you get up (on stage), you're on the cook every time. One big thing is self-confidence.'' MSA debating coach Lisa Rhind said that personality is also a factor in debating.

"Some are humourous, others are more serious. Some of them are good public speakers.'' But some of the debaters arguing against St. Andrew's were just starting out.

"You see, we've only been in school a couple of weeks. Some of the resolutions have only had a couple of weeks to be researched and presented.'' Mrs. Rhind said sometimes it could take several weeks to prepare a resolution for debate.

MSA's middle school debate team, winners of last year's debating competition in their category, faced off with the St. Andrew's junior team about Hotmail and whether or not it is the greatest communications tool ever. The team from St. Andrew's argued it was.