Year 13 look part in the first of a series of debates running across the year and involving students of all ages.
The first debate, which coincided with World Teachers’ Day, dealt with an educator’s role in a world increasingly attuned to remote and online learning. The statement up for discussion was: ‘The coronavirus has proved that nowadays teachers are not essential for learning.’
Seward (73 points) took first place, narrowly holding off competition from Darwin (69 points). These Houses won their respective heats against Garrick (56 points) and Johnson (42 points).
Interestingly, Darwin argued in support the proposition, whilst Seward defended the continuing relevance of teachers.
Governors Greg Sugden and Nina Worrell served as guest judges, with school librarian Mrs Cresswell chairing proceedings. All judges were very impressed with the standard of debating on display.
Points were awarded for making valid points, demonstrating independent research, avoiding repetition, and making coherent rebuttals.
There were many strong individual performances, but external judges ultimately chose Rose Winebloom and Tom Williams as ‘Most Valuable Debaters.’
Other students who took part in the debates included: Josh Williams, Jake Ingham, Georgina Broome, Tom Porter, Amelie Sadler, Warwick Smith, Lucy Parker, Ethan Hopcott, Jack Lynch, Holly Walker, Corey Overton and Josh Turner.
Mark Drury, Assistant Headteacher, said: “It was great to launch this year’s series of debates with Year 13, who performed brilliantly despite a limited amount of time preparing together as teams. They have set a high standard for other students to follow.”
The baton now passes to Year 11, whose debate takes place next month.
