SOCIETY: DEBATING

PAUL S.

The debating society can consider itself to be one of the most prolific student-run groups in the school. With a prestigious history dating back to 1879, the society is as strong as ever, continuing to develop talented public speakers and to put on diverting and relevant debates. After the society folded in 2015, the future looked uneasy for the wave of driven and skilled statesmen of the future, with few outlets to demonstrate their command of the spoken word. A laborious existence lay ahead, a dull school made that much more drab for the want of gavels crashing and of polemicists abusing the English language to gain

that ever-important swing.

Fortunately, salvation lay just on the horizon. With the memory of the better days moving their hands, Hugo Rompani and Benedict Coneybeare refounded the once-great institution, to great effect. The first debate of the new age took place on the 20th of November 2018, and had the motion: This House Would Abolish Grammar Schools.” Quickly gaining traction and attendance, the debates began to cover diverse topics such as Brexit, the death penalty, and drugs. The more prolific speakers of this first term

included the formidable Josh Wallace, the stalwart Tomi Amole and, of course, the two princeps, Hugo and Ben.

So brightly did the rekindled flame burn that mere months after the first debate, Rev. C. Evans passionately defended compulsory chapel in a debate for the history books, convincing 30 of the approximately 130 students in attendance of the importance of chapel services. Although to date Dr Evans is the only teacher to have taken part in a debate, it is understood that this will not be the case for long.

The reputation, respect and reliability that previous attempts had lacked were clearly in place. Debating society once again stood as a pillar of the school. A link was made with Queen Annes’, a school with whom inter-school debates still take place. A group of elite members even took their skills to the World International Debating and Public Speaking Competition in Toronto. Aleks Sekulic finished in 3rd place for impromptu speeches, an absolutely incredible achievement worthy of such a gifted individual.

Despite fears that this run of immeasurable prosperity could not carry on into the new year, the dedication of the committee allowed debating society to maintain its lofty standards. Ed Bruun, Aditya Krishna, Ralph Philips and Paul Saunders took over the reins, with the latter individual becoming the President. More people than ever are flocking to speak in the hallowed hall of the Lecture Theatre, whose walls are elevated in splendour by the more than 30 students who have captured the audience with their words.

Ben Coneybeare debating.

The only evaluation of the debating society can be this: unequivocal and unrestrained success. Once again the Lecture Theatre were filled to capacity, this time for the general election debate, where Hugo Rompani reminded the future electorate of his ability to ensnare the mind with facts and logic while representing the Liberal Democrats. Preeminent above all competition stands the debating society, and long may it remain there, bathed in the light of success! The future is an exciting frontier for the debating society to breach, but certainly one it is ready for. Should you wish to take part in a debate and are in Year 10 or above, do not hesitate to email Paul Saunders so that you may join the ranks of excellency and indelibly mark history with your name. Otherwise, turn up on Tuesday lunchtimes in order to witness intense vocal duels and pitched intellectual struggles; with the direction the debating society is heading in, you’d be a fool not to.