The House Debating Competition began the 2019-2020 series with Year 9 tackling the argument that: “Learning another language when you speak English is pointless”.

The opening round saw teams from each of the four Houses do battle before school governors and their points add up through the year to bring an overall House winner.

Future debate topics include women’s rights, refugee status, the plight of Antarctica and the legacy of slavery.

Mark Drury, Assistant Headteacher, said: “We seek to provide a platform for every student and the debating competition calls out for those who can research, construct an argument, keep their cool, and strike home their points. This early round showed all these qualities and we look forward to watching it develop through the year.”