The Inter-House Debating Competition started with a motion looking at whether those serving a prison sentence should lose the right to vote...

Lyon vs Wellesley
Lyon had the harder task of opposing the motion, one made even harder by the terms set out by the European Convention of Human Rights, a point Wellesley repeatedly pushed them on. Both teams had prepared well, setting out clear arguments and using examples of other countries to support their case. As it was the first debate of the year, it was probably to be expected that a number of debaters focussed on well written scripts, but it was great to see a number of debaters look to engage with the audience and expand on the information that they had set out. As we progress through the rounds, the debating style and the strategy deployed by teams will develop, and those debating will learn from the feedback given this morning. A special mention must go to 3^rd Former Naomi, who did very well as part of Wellesley’s debating team, and to 4^th Former Oliver, who did well to deliver his argument as part of a strong Lyon debating team. Whilst Wellesley ran out eventual winners, both teams demonstrated a huge amount of promise, and I look forward to seeing them debate in future rounds.

Dan Cupit - Deputy Head, Academic

Arion vs Blackford
This morning’s debate between Arion and Blackford was a very close competition. Arion were proposing the motion that prisoners should not be allowed to vote whilst incarcerated, whilst Lyon were opposing it. Felicity and Max, as the junior representatives for the teams, spoke extremely well and were engaging and informative. Sammy and Fraser, as the main speakers, spoke confidently and had clearly researched their speeches extremely well. Finally, Abi and Archie, on the rebuttals, showed what talented speakers they were using eye contact, tone and humour to convey their well-researched speeches and answer the excellent questions that had come from the floor. Overall, Mrs Garland and I felt that Arion had the edge and gave an overall score of 35 points to 33. It was a very informative debate and we both thoroughly enjoyed adjudicating it.

Emily Simper - Deputy Head Pastoral

Priory vs New
New and Priory House delivered a quality opening debate in which both sides exchanged direct responses on a challenging topic. Third Form pupils Isabel and Harry made strong first contributions to School Debating, whilst experience showed in assured performances from the remaining Upper 6^th pupils. By a narrow margin, Priory House were adjudged to be worthy winners, edging the debate with a strong content score.

Mark Hambleton - Head of English

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