National Debate

Two of our most committed debaters are through to the second round of the Team England trials, while our novices have been taking part in numerous online competitions.

Congratulations to Manon in Year 11 and Sixth Former Edie who were selected to trial for the English national debate team. Through multiple debates against the top speakers in the country, both girls progressed to the final 24, where they debated whether Palestine should campaign for a single state solution and whether Western nations should pay reparations to countries affected by the slave trade.

On the same weekend, our younger debaters had a great day at the Edinburgh University Juniors Debate Competition, with girls making it through to the Gold, Silver and Novice Finals. Well done to Molly in Year 8 for ranking as the best speaker in the whole competition; Lara in Year 9 for placing second; Olivia in Year 9, who placed fourth; and Sophia in Year 8, who was the second best novice speaker.

Other highlights of another action-packed half term have included internal friendlies for Years 7 and 8, competitions run by LSE, Warwick and Imperial Universities, and a number of online debates with pupils from local partner schools. Despite the pandemic, this has been another a great year for debating, with South Hampstead being awarded a national Oracy Culture Prize 2020 for supporting young women to find their voice.