House Debating Competition

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This term's big house competition was the Nova Debating Competition. Students had the opportunity to discuss and argue some key issues, helping to develop their critical thinking and public speaking skills.

It all began with a round in tutor groups, where students were sorted into mixed year group teams to debate the topic: “All forms of animal testing should be made illegal”. The teams were tasked with creating arguments for both sides of the viewpoint, and present these to the tutor. The best team per tutor group was then selected to go head to head with another tutor in the inter-tutor round. Here, the teams had to present in front of another tutor group, alternating between "for" and "against" viewpoints. After this head to head round, the top 4 teams from each house were selected ready for the house final.

In the house final, a new debate topic was presented: “How do we reduce the rate of repeat offenders?”. Each team was assigned a different viewpoint to research and prepare an argument for. These 4 teams had the opportunity to present their arguments to the whole of their house (around 200 people!), which they all did brilliantly. House staff had the difficult job of selecting one team to represent the whole house in the School Final!

The school final arrived and the competition really heated up! Each of the 4 groups presented their solution for reducing the rate of criminal reoffenders, with other teams trying to argue against their viewpoints. Mr Wells and Mr Thomas had the incredibly difficult job of selecting the team who showed the best teamwork, confidence, research and ability to debate! Although every team and every student was exceptional in what is a very difficult and nerve-wracking situation, there could only be one winner.

1^st Place: Pegasus 6 – Xander and Maddie  

Joint 2^nd Place: Aquila 2 – Daisy, Jermaine, Emily, Brianna and Luke

Joint 2^nd Place: Orion 4 – Jenna-May, Charlie, Jamie-Dan, Emily and Gaje

4^th Place: Cygnus 6 – Natalie, Jin and Kelsey

A huge well done to the 2019 champions of debate. The competition was great fun and the debates were outstanding.