The College entered two teams into the Cambridge Union Schools’ Debating Tournament; which is one of the most prestigious competitions of its kind. Over 40 teams, including schools such as Wellington College and Winchester College, competed in four challenging debates at the Kings’ School in Winchester.
Our students were given just 15 minutes to prepare arguments on topics ranging from government funding for the arts, to whether workers’ rights should be suspended in times of economic crisis.
Our junior team, Sam Han (C) and Milo Fitzhugh (Fa), had to contend with opponents three to four years older than them in every debate. Despite this, remarkably, they were judged to be the winning team in the third debate by opposing the motion that doctors should have a right not to perform operations on moral grounds.
Our senior team, Clara Alexis (R) and Katya Lee (R), had an equally successful day, winning the second debate by opposing the legalisation of private military companies. Both Clara and Katya were praised by the judges for their clarity and fluency in every debate.
Despite these impressive results, neither of our teams were judged to be in the top three overall and will not, therefore, advance to Cambridge for the finals. However, all students enormously improved their argumentation, public speaking, and awareness of current affairs in the course of one day.
Judges were effusive in their praise of our four speakers. Several representatives of the Cambridge Union commended their conduct and talent at various points in the day. All should be highly lauded for their efforts.
By Ciaran Lee
