This week our Year 8s were debating the motion that ‘The government should ban all single-use plastics within the next five years’. This was part of our Big Plastic Countdown Focus Week.
The teams argued their points very well, and the competition was tight overall, with only three points separating first and second place. The winners, with 71 points overall, were ultimately the team from Seward House: Isabela C, Sophia P, Annie B and Lenny R.
Johnson House came in second place (Isabelle D, Bethan F, Isaac Aand Sammy M), with Darwin in third (Mila S, Abby Y, Evelyn H and Willow H) and Garrick in fourth place (Jessica M, Eva C-C, Olivia W and Katie L).
The judges – school librarian Helena Cresswell and school governor Lyse Edwards – were impressed by the students’ confidence and how well they articulated their ideas. They were also able to counter-argue, creating a lively and enthusiastic discussion.
The judges awarded Isabelle D (Johnson) and Mila S (Darwin) as the most valuable debaters.
Assistant Headteacher, Sam Sullivan, said: “All teams made an impressive effort, and this was one of our highest scoring debates, overall. The students spoke very well, with a good range of arguments and persuasive techniques to emphasise their points. Well done to all involved!”
With the Year 7 debate still remaining, the scores for the debate competition currently stand as:
Seward – 426 points
Darwin – 385 points
Johnson – 380 points
Garrick – 345 points
