Greystones Students Take On Le Grand Débat

Les vainqueurs. We think.

atest press release from Temple Carrig School, issued on Thursday, December 11th 2025…

The three Greystones secondary schools (TCG, St. David’s, GCC) teamed up once again for their second inter-schools French debate.

It was held this time in Temple Carrig School on Wednesday, December 10th, and hosted by Ms. Dillon and her 5th Year students.

Rather than competing school against school the proposing and opposing teams were blended, giving students a chance to work together in French and make new connections. The motion on the table,“Les téléphones portables devraient être autorisés à l’école” (mobile phones should be permitted in schools), sparked imaginations and discussion, with the proposition side ultimately taking the win.

Sofia, Shriya and Luke from St. David’s joined Abigail and Adam from GCC, along with Sarah, Clodagh, Lucy and Elodie from TCG, and every one of them gave a standout performance. Special commendations went to Sofia, Adam, Luke and Sarah for exceptional speaking. Bravo!

The debate has become a highlight for the three French Departments; a fun way to collaborate, share ideas and support students as they push themselves beyond their usual comfort zones.

Finding out who’s got the most dismissive shrug…

With St. David’s long-established tradition, Temple Carrig’s fresh perspective as a newer school, and GCC celebrating its first Leaving Cert cohort, each brings something unique à table.

A big shout-out to senior French teachers Rose Dillon (Temple Carrig School), Bryan O’Dowd (St. David’s) and Morna Kautzmann (Greystones Community College) for bringing the event to life, and to colleagues Emily Foynes and Robert Wiggins for their help in preparing the students.

And finally, a heartfelt merci buckets to local supporters La Crêperie Pierre Grises and Halfway Up the Stairs bookshop for generously sponsoring the prizes.