Stocks's Take House Debating Crown

by Mark Crossley

The motion was proposed by Manor, with Hope F arguing that more responsibility and ownership of school life would lead to better buy-in. She maintained that students would provide much more dynamic, responsive and innovative leaderchip than the current regime. For the Opposition, Charlotte W stated that we all know that teenagers "procrastinate" - not a good quality for a leader - and that running a school would also be too much of a weight at that stage of life. Nataliah F and Olivia R had a lively exchange as second speakers.

Speaking without notes, Nataliah made a strong case for the "student voice" being the most important one. She argued that the purpose of education was wider than just delivering a curriculum and that being a specialist was not, therefore, all-important. Olivia warned that students would have their favourites and life would be less fair under teen rule, as a result. Harriet W said that as "active architects" of their own schools, students could improve the quality and relevance of what was on offer. Students understood students best and education could improve as a result. Lauren R concentrated on the importance of exams and how that meant qualified, experienced subject-specialists were the basis of an effective school. She dealt well with points of information which left us wondering whether one side was underestimating teenagers or the other was overestimating adults.

A feature of the final was the effective way in which speakers dealt with points of information, thinking on their feet to counter arguments. Niamh S closed for the Government, restating their strongest arguments, before best speaker of the debate Lauren G did a very good job closing for the Opposition. She impressed judges with her brief summarising of the whole debate, and included reasons why her side won each argument. The winners were not necessarily those with the best points, but those who presented their side with organisation, clarity and in an engaging way.

Judges Mr Crossley and Dr Strong both had Stocks's a few points ahead at the end. Mr Crossley said: "This was a very close debate. All the speakers have improved in some way as the competition has gone on." He thanked all the students and house staff who had engaged with the competition this term. "I hope that many of them have gained from the experience of stepping out of their comfort zones and having a go at what is an essential life skill. Public speaking and thinking on your feet is something most of us worry about, but we all have to do at some point."