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Posted on April 18th 2016
DEBATE MATE CUP
There was much nervousness and excitement ahead of the last, and biggest debate competition of the school year at the University of Westminster.
We arrived at the venue, and our team of 6 was unfazed by the dozens of schools that occupied the lobby. Everyone eventually shuffled into the lecture theatre, where the music was blaring. Here the draw for the first round was made and we were up against…Harris Academy Beckenham! Off we went to our small classroom where the verbal jousting would take place; our opponents were already there, and their opening gambit upon entering the room was ‘are you a primary school?’ Our team reacted to this with dignity and I simply told them they had all the motivation they needed to win.
Sitting in the audience, a smile spread across my face as our team debated with flair and passion about why the army shouldn’t be banned from advertising (this was the motion for Round 1). They have come a long way from the first competition, and we anxiously waited for the result while the judge totalled up the scores. A WIN! This was a milestone; the first victory for Harris Invictus in a debating competition, and the students left the room on cloud nine. The fact that they beat a team of Year 9 students made it even more impressive.
Next up in Round 2 was Kensington Aldridge Academy, and they proved to be much tougher opponents. We lost the debate, but the victors offered some encouraging words for our team, encapsulating the spirit of the competition. Round 3 saw us pitted against the Norwood School, and again we were defeated; the result was quite close, and considering the team was made up of Year 9 and 10 students it was an impressive performance.
We stayed to watch the final, and I have to say the level of debating witnessed was exceptional. Our students, thoroughly enjoyed the day, and are committed to keeping the Society going. Hopefully more students will join, so we can send more teams for future competitions! A big thankyou to Miss Mathurin for accompanying us on the day.
Mr Amankwah
