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Big Debate

Debating

On Monday 9th February, two teams from Highgate braved the rain, wind and flooded public transport to compete, along with forty other North London teams, in the first round of the Oxford Schools debating competition. There were two heats, and the motions were closed (not pre-released). In the first round, teams debated the motion 'This House would make voting in general elections compulsory,' followed by 'This House would legalise performance enhancing drugs in sport.'

Both the Senior team of Hugh Lindsey (Y12) and Antonia Bruch (Y13) and the Intermediate team of Henry Zeffman and Leo Mylinades debated with zeal and confidence, drawing compliments from adjudicators and observers alike. The adjudications highlighted the need for greater awareness of the core concepts of a motion and for an even greater and more explicit focus on structure, which all debaters took on board and found helpful.

In the end only five teams - Latymer, Watford Grammar and Haberdashers' - proceeded to the next round, but both teams enjoyed the evening enormously and are keen to continue their competitive careers.   AKMS

Public Speaking

Miss Reynolds and I took Simon Blackaby, Stuart Webber and Jamie Green (all year 10) to the American School in St John's Wood last night for the London semi-finals of the Rotary Public Speaking Competition. The boys delivered their speeches with wit, fluency and panache on the topic of the difficult role of the football referee. Simon Blackaby was awarded the prize for best chairman, and Jamie Green that for best vote of thanks in the Senior Competition. All enjoyed the evening, and their performances bode well for the future of Highgate debating and public speaking.   PDH

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