Prep Schools’ Debating Challenge

Quick-thinking pupils from seven Prep Schools came together yesterday to compete in our 2018 Prep Schools’ Debating Challenge.

Mr Blair, Haileybury’s Master in Charge of Debating, held a workshop at the beginning of the day and shared his top tips, including how to speak slowly and clearly as well as rebuttal techniques.

He was ably assisted by Upper Sixth pupils Sebastian P and Eliot B, who found themselves demonstrating what to do and what not to do by talking about oranges and sausages!

It was then time for the debates, with pupils competing from Aldwickbury School, Arnold House, Cothill House, Hereward House, York House, Ashfold School and Holmewood House.

The pupils discussed a wide range of motions in the Senior and Junior Challenges, including:

• This House would support a national minimum income
• This House would lower the voting age to 14
• This House would introduce term limits for MPs
• This House believes that the internet makes teachers unnecessary
• This House believes that single sex education is the way forward
• This House believes all learning until the age of eight should be outdoors.

It was a very close competition and the judges were impressed by the standard of speeches, arguments and questions.

The Cothill House team (pictured) was declared the winner of the Junior Cup and the Arnold House team was declared the winner of the Senior Cup.

Well done to the winners and everyone who took part.