Debate success for King’s students

Congratulations to members of our Shells debating team who are through to the next round of Rotary Youth Speaks: A Debate. 

Taking place at the University of Chester on Wednesday, 25 January, the young team debated topics including: Helicopter parents are damaging their children and David Beckham should have his OBE and CBE removed for promoting the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. 

The judges were impressed with the students’ ability to deliver persuasive arguments with confidence and clarity.

Congratulations to the team, some of whom progress to compete in the Rotary District 1180 event in March:

• Ella Thaman (SHBRD)
• Guy St John William (SHBRD)
• Oz Rogers (SHDUT)
• Prisha Roy Mahapatra (SHWAL)
• Joe Williams (SHDUT)
• Ellis Williams (SHBRD)

Mrs McNabb runs Junior Debate Club in Senior School and she accompanied the group to the university for the event.

She said: “This is the first time that these students have entered a debate competition and I was incredibly proud of them and their excellent performance. 

“They had thoroughly researched their topics which meant that they were able to argue their points with confidence. I look forward to seeing them in the next round of the competition.”

Three Lower Sixth students also took part in the Senior round (ages 14 – 17 years) of the same competition. Despite not progressing to the next round, the judges praised them on their sound arguments and confident performance. Well done to Owen Davies (L6GLA), Adam John (L6GLA) and Charlie Marshall (L6LES). 

Rotary Youth Speaks: A Debate is organised and promoted by Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland. It is a four stage competition which is designed to support and encourage the development of effective communication skills in young people.