Debating team win place in regional finals

YEAR-12 students at Steyning Grammar School beat off tough competition to win a place in the regional finals of Debating Matters.
The four debaters and the team who helped prepare them by reading articles, discussing strategies and constructing questionsThe four debaters and the team who helped prepare them by reading articles, discussing strategies and constructing questions
The four debaters and the team who helped prepare them by reading articles, discussing strategies and constructing questions

The debating team was praised for its courage against fierce competition in the south east qualifying round at Hove Park School.

Olivia Francis and William Miller won their debate against a motion about compromising privacy in the interests of security, while Monet Fraser and Lucy Moon were victorious in favour of a motion about censoring artistic expression.

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They beat Hove Park School and Bede’s Senior School to win a place in the regional finals at the University of Canterbury in March.

Lucy said: “It was a fantastic experience. I learned a lot about myself and how to debate in a civilised way.

“The questions were really challenging from the other team, they put up a really good debate.”

Calum White won ‘best contribution to debate’ for his excellent questioning from the floor, which helped considerably in fazing the opposing team.

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History teacher Joe Blatch said: “Everyone who took part, whether they spoke in a debate or came in support, did their bit.

“We are particularly proud of the comradeship and spirit shown by the whole team, who had put in a great deal of time, effort and no small amount of courage in the face of strong competition.”

The national competition is organised by the Institute of Ideas and has been running for 12 years.