Over the course of the first half term students in Years 10 and 11 have been homing their debating skills during PDV lessons. Guided by the school’s debating coach, Mr Todd, students studied essential discursive skills aimed at developing their communication, evaluation and analytical skills in preparation for the 2020 Key Stage 4 Inter House Debating Competition. In addition debating does much to improve self-confidence, develop intellectual curiosity and articulate speaking and listening skills, essential components for students to master in the rapidly changing world of 21^st century life.

In round 1 students representing Earth, Fire, Water and Wind houses debated the motion: This House Believes that Coronavirus has bought out the very best in Human Nature. An extremely thought provoking, challenging and well fought out series of debates in front of their peers resulted in victories for Wind and Water houses who then went on to the final which took place last Tuesday afternoon.

In the Grand Final students from Wind House proposed the motion: This House Believes that Reality TV is Harming Society, whilst students from Water House opposed the said motion. It was a final full of intriguing, well thought out and inventive creativity, finely tuned argument and hotly debated points of information resulting in a narrow victory for Wind House. Congratulations go to Wendy. S, Alex. R, Aamir. H, Katia. N and Sophie G for a brilliant, hard fought intelligent debate.