Archive for February 2009
Debating
Last month my school entered – for the first time – the ESU schools mace debating competition. Kindly hosted by King Edward VI school we were supposed to be against Peter Symonds college opposing ‘This house believes that the Olympic Spirit has died’. Unfortunately Symonds had to withdraw, leaving us against a ’swing team’ from the hosts.
Nevertheless the evening was great fun, for both me and my teammate, it was our first attempt at debating. The other teams (St Swithun’s school, Portsmouth Grammar school, Winchester college and two from King Edwards) were all amazing debating cannabis legalisation and animal experimentation.
Long story cut short, much to our surprise, amongst privately educated sixth formers (our school is a state secondary), we received second place of the six teams! That means we are through to the second round this time to propose ‘This House would put free condom machines in all secondary schools regardless of their religious status’ with Lavant House girls opposing. A more challenging topic for us, but we don’t expect to be through to the next rounds, so there’s no pressure!
Frustratingly school has been canceled again tomorrow, thwarting our attempts to practise! Still its an enjoyable experience for the first time in my life, our area is very snow deprived.
