King’s debate team takes to the floor

On Friday, 21 November, a team of Fourth Year (Year 10) pupils travelled to Manchester to take part in the English Speaking Union (ESU) Schools’ Mace, marking their first competitive debate. 

Facing a team of Sixth Formers, the King’s team opposed the motion: This House would ban short-haul flights where transport alternatives exist.

Each of the three speakers delivered a seven-minute speech before taking points of interest and questions from floor, giving them valuable experience in both speaking in front of an audience and thinking on their feet to respond to questions. 

The team was accompanied by teacher, Mrs McNabb, who leads Senior School debate club. 

She said: “I was very proud of our debate team in their first ever competitive debate. They were up against older opposition but held their own and gave a great performance. Unfortunately, they didn’t win on this occasion but the experience gave them valuable experience and helped them grow in confidence.

“Three Removes (Year 7) pupils also came with us, acting as chair and time keepers. For them, it was a great insight into competitive debating and they will take what they learned into their own debate practice when we are back in school.”

Congratulations to the Fourth Year pupils who competed, all of whom are pictured here; Hansika Senthil Kumar (4DUT), Anushka Arya (4GRO) and Josh Hain (4BRD), and thank you the Removes pupils who assisted with the competition; Yehia Abdallah (RMJR), Kabir Punjabi (RMAN) and Zainab Salahuddin (RMRA).

Debate Club meets every Tuesday lunchtime. All Senior School pupils are welcome.