Public Speaking and Debating
At the start of this year, a small group of Year 12 students, signed up for a series of lessons in public speaking and debating.
Almost before we knew each others names, we were hurtled into the first round of the United Nations Association Sutton/Croydon schools debating competition against St Philomena’s. Despite having no experience of debate, and little time to prepare, the team worked together to research, practice and give each other feedback. We emerged victorious to face round 2, where again, the group worked as a team to prepare. Victory again and through to round 3 – the quarter finals.
Meanwhile, members of the team who hadn’t had the opportunity to debate, entered the Rotary Club Youth Speak competition. This was a great learning experience as it was the first time in many years we had entered this particular competition and were up against schools that enter annually and already know the ropes. The team did an excellent job speaking for the first time in public, and can be proud of their behaviour as an audience – showing great respect for other speakers.
The UNA quarter final was a very close result but congratulations must go to Sutton High who are through to the Semi-finals.
The success of our team has sparked a lot of interest in public speaking and debate and the newly formed debating club for years 8 to 10, run by Mr Kalsey, should prove to be a good training ground as we intend to enter both a junior and senior team into Both the UNA debating and the Youth Speak competitions next year.
For next term we hope to arrange an inter-house debating competition. Plans are in the early stages and all being well it will be launched at the start of next term.
Mrs J Grima, LRC Manager
