Banning junk food was a topic of hot debate during the second round of the Newham Debating League.

Newham Recorder: Debating pupils at Elmhurst schoolDebating pupils at Elmhurst school (Image: Archant)

Pupils also argued for and against an unseen motion about banning zoos during last Friday’s heat.

Key Stage Two pupils from 21 primary schools are taking part in the borough’s inaugural competition which has been organised by Elmhurst Primary School.

Newham Council has provided funding which has allowed each of the schools to receive ten weeks of coaching from Debate Mate.

Sukwinder Samra, deputy head of Elmhurst, said the competition will equip pupils with skills for life.

“If you can communicate your point effectively you are much more powerful than someone who isn’t able to, and therefore much more likely to succeed,” she said.

Pupils will return to Elmhurst in May for the third round of the competition before heading to the University of East London for the grand final in July.

Park Primary School is currently topping the leaderboard.