The last two weeks of January have been extremely busy for our junior debaters. We were delighted to host the second-round regional heat of the ESU Churchill Public Speaking Competition in Big School. The event was run by two of our Year 9 pupils, Izzy D’A, who was master of ceremonies and, Kitty R, who kept time throughout. We were thrilled that our team of Chair, Jemima P, Speaker, Grace C, and Questioner, Lewis H, was selected as one of those chosen to progress to the next round.

Last Saturday, the same five pupils were joined by Will R as we sent three teams to participate in the regional heat of the International Competition for Young Debaters, held at the Cambridge Union. This was intense and fast-paced competitive debating in the British Parliamentary style, with just 15 minutes of preparation time for each of the three debates, without any reference to research materials. All three teams performed very well.

A special mention goes to Grace and Lewis on securing ninth place in our first participation in the ICYD.