This House believes that Extinction Rebellion has done more harm than good for the movement towards climate action...

The second round of Inter-House Debating saw Wellesley and New House tackle the impact of the Extinction Rebellion and whether they have had a positive/ negative impact. It was a pleasure to adjudicate such an impressive debate, with both teams demonstrating great levels of research and public speaking skills. It was also incredibly impressive to see Grace of Wellesley House 3^rd Form, speak so passionately and well in her first debate at King’s. New House developed a very clear argument and caused difficulties for Wellesley with their use of ‘Points of Information’ and application of data from various studies. However, Wellesley House ensured they defined the motion, kept rigidly to their key arguments and delivered a very effective rebuttal. Whilst Wellesley ran out victorious, both teams deserve huge credit for the time and preparation that they put into this debate. I hope that both teams have an opportunity to face each other again after such a passionate debate and close outcome.

Dan Cupit - Deputy Head, Academic

The School Debate was a battle, as the teams were well researched and confident in their delivery. It was a close match between Blackford and Lyon House, although Lyon pushed ahead, gaining high marks for style, as the team put their notes to one side and spoke persuasively on Extinction Rebellion doing more harm than good. Lyon argued it was more the fault of some right wing newspapers disparaging Extinction Rebellion, and not the peaceful protests. Blackford argued that Extinction Rebellion was needed because the Government was focused on the short termism of elections, not the long term investment in the environment. Lyon won the debate with 43 points to 40.

Alison Grant - Deputy Head

Flickr album: Debating - Prelim Round 2 - 11th October 2021 | Height: auto | Theme: Default | Skin: Default Skin