Speaking Up

Our award-winning Debate Hub continues to encourage more pupils to find their voice.

A busy schedule of debating clubs, coaching and contests has resumed as the new academic year gets underway. Earlier this month, we welcomed dozens of pupils from local schools to join our autumn public speaking competition; congratulations to Molly in Year 10 who won the competition by audience vote for her superb speech on NFTs and cryptocurrencies, and to our other finalists, Elea and Olivia in Year 11.

Other successes so far this term include Year 8 pupils, Syra and Kylie, making the novice final of the St Paul’s Girls’ School Women’s Open, and Year 10 debaters, Camille and Molly, reaching the grand final of Dulwich Schools, ranking as third and fourth best speakers overall. Both competitions were open to Sixth Formers, testament to the maturity and confidence of our debaters.

A culture of oracy continues to flourish at South Hampstead, with pupils across the school inspired to speak up and speak out. Year 11 pupil Keemia, for example, recently delivered a powerful assembly about the history of the hijab in Iran and the peaceful protests happening around the world. Other year group assemblies so far this term have featured debates on mental health, Tik Tok and the monarchy.