Debate success at Oxford Schools Competition

Debate at King’s continues to go from strength to strength as we celebrate the recent success of eight students in the regional round of the Oxford Schools Debate competition. 

On Thursday, 23 February, students from Fifths and Sixth Form travelled to Manchester Grammar School to face students from schools across the Northwest.

The teams competed in two debates on motions which were announced 15 minutes before the debate began. Participants were not allowed to do any research or use any materials beyond their own knowledge and hand-written notes.

The motions were: This house believes the narrative that people should do what they love does more harm than good and This house supports ecoterrorism. 

Gwen Olson (L6GRO) and Abi Webster (L6GLA) now advance to the final round, which will take place at the famous Oxford Union on Thursday, 11 March.

Jessica Rutberg runs the Senior Debating Society and praised the students for their performance: “All four 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.”

Headmaster George Hartley also congratulated the students. He said: “Bravo to all eight of the students who took part, especially Gwen and Abi who will be travelling down to Oxford for the final.

“Ms Rutberg has done a wonderful job of rebuilding the Debating Society after the pandemic and it is great to see it flourishing again at King’s.”

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

• Abi Webster (L6GLA) and Gwen Olson (L6GRO)
• Samya Saha (L6WAL) and Oliver Smith (L6BRA)
• Frankie Williams (L6WAL) and Rohith Muthuvelu (L6DUT)
• Lukas Pold (5LES) and William Scott (U6WAL)

Senior Debating Society meets on Tuesday lunchtimes. Students in Thirds and above can sign up on SOCS.