The inter-House debating competition provided the
usual mix of entertaining and informative performances
from main speakers, both senior and junior and from
the floor. The first round motion was "This House
would Allow Parents to Monitor Their Children's Online and
Mobile Communications," which engendered lively discussion.
The semi-final motion "This House Believes That Charity Begins
at Home" proved to be a little more challenging; nonetheless there
were cogent arguments and intelligent debate. The competition
culminated in a deserving victory by Woodard, proposing the
motion "This House Would Withdraw From the EU."
Further afield, King's was represented in national debating
and public speaking competitions. The team of Archie Miller
(Chairman), Will Cashmore (Speaker) and Tessa Counsell
(Questioner) acquitted themselves very well in the English
Speaking Union Public Speaking Competition. Their performance
was especially commendable as the opposing speakers were a year
older. Will's speech on the merits - or rather demerits - of "lads'
mags" was both entertaining and insightful. Archie conducted
the proceedings with aplomb and Tessa demonstrated an ability
to think on her feet under considerable pressure. Thanks should
be given to Miss Forward for her knowledgeable input and sage
advice in preparing the team.
Under the expert guidance and tutelage of Mr Ridley and
Miss Geoffroy, King's entered two teams for the Oxford Union
Schools' Debating Competition, after a period of absence from
this event. The teams of Edward Keeling and Phoebe Smith and
Lillie Grant and Josh Stickland learned a great deal from this
experience. The teams had to produce five-minute speeches
with only half an hour's preparation, with the debate conducted
in the parliamentary cross-table style. Motions involved whether
the police should be armed and whether contextual data should
be used in the university admissions system. Lillie Grant and
Josh Stickland reached "break table", narrowly missing the
opportunity to represent the school in the national finals held in
the Oxford Union.
It is heartening to note that debating and public speaking continue
to generate such interest among pupils of all ages, and this bodes
well for a fun and successful season in the next academic year.
Debating and Public Speaking
By Gerri Fagan
Mary Evans Picture Library
76