Oxford Debate: King’s students compete in regional finals

We are celebrating the recent success of eight students in the regional round of the Oxford Schools Debate competition. 

On Thursday, 5 February, eight Sixth Form students travelled to Manchester High School for Girls to face students from schools and colleges across the Northwest.

The competition follows the British Parliamentary style of debating, which means that motions are announced just 15 minutes before the debate begins, giving only minimal time for research and preparation. 

The two motions at this year’s regional round were: This House supports ecoterrorism and This House would legalise for-profit surrogacy.

A total of 64 teams competed at Manchester High with the top six teams progressing to the final round, which takes place at the famous Oxford Union later this year. 

One of the King’s teams, comprising of Olivia Das (U6WAL) and James Ashcroft (L6DUT) placed seventh in the competition, meaning that they are the first reserve team for the region. They will find out later this month if they will progress to the final. 

Jessica Rutberg runs the Senior Debating Society and praised the students for their performance: “Each of our teams put in a magnificent effort and I am very proud of them. Debating motions with no preparation or research requires very specific skills and they all rose to the challenge magnificently.

“Debate continues to grow in popularity at King’s and this is the third competition we have entered as a school in as many weeks. Pupils recognise the importance of being a confident public speaker and being able to put forward ones point of view, and I love seeing their confidence and skillset grow week after week.”

Congratulations to all students who took part in teams of two:

• Olivia Das (U6WAL)
• James Ashcroft (L6DUT)
• Ben Rofe (L6GLA)
• Chinedu Ekwueme (L6GLA)
• Jack Secrette (L6GRO)
• Eli Corbin (L6GRO)
• Martha Kerfoot (L6GRO)

Debate Club meets on Tuesday lunchtimes. Pupils can sign up on SOCS.