This week saw the finals of two of the College’s most prestigious debating and public speaking competitions: The Junior Dodd, and the Darbyshire Debating competitions.
Despite the unusual circumstances, with debates and addresses delivered via Zoom and Teams, the talent and skill was as accomplished as any previous year.
Junior Dodd
- 1st: Mojo (Teaching Black History in More Depth in Schools)
“A passionate delivery, and multiple well-exemplified arguments as to why the curriculum needs to be more diverse.”
- 2nd: Verity (Why Teachers Should Get Paid More)
“Great pace, funny, well-reasoned and researched points on how improving pay for teachers is better for everyone.”
- 3rd: Ella (What Goes on in an Olm’s Brain?)
“Interesting choice of topic, one she is evidently inspired by, delivered extremely well.”
Darbyshire Debating
The four finalist houses Propert, Carr, Rosebery, and White debated the motion This House Has No Confidence In Her Majesty’s Government.
Here, Mr Ciaran Lee, Head of Debating, reviews the tournament.
“Following eight excellent speeches, I had to make an extremely tough decision.
“I am pleased to announce that this year’s Lower Sixth Darbyshire Debating champions are White House as represented by Alice Jenkins and Ella Pilkington.
“This was a truly outstanding debate that featured a level of originality, insight, and sophistication rarely seen in many popular news programmes. It has been a successful tournament, despite being conducted virtually due to circumstances, and all participants should be proud of their efforts.”
