ICYD Debating Competition

Four teams from Wilson’s met at UCL last week to participate in a round-robin style debating competition. It was a very enjoyable day with new things to be learnt for the youngest and oldest teams in the cohort!

The first round proved difficult, with teams preparing detailed content and speeches. The ‘unprepared rounds’ were certainly more stressful but helped all the students think on their feet and make well-constructed arguments on the fly. There was time for feedback from each adjudicator as to how, as teams, we could go into the next debate with our best foot forward. This is advice that will be carried back to Junior and Senior debating clubs to sharpen up the skills of all students in the society.

An excellent day all round and a big thank you to Mrs Webber for organising it all.

Ethan, Year 10

Rotary Club Debating Competition

After winning the previous round, both of Wilson’s teams participated in the district semi-final of the Rotary Club public speaking competition, in which teams debate a motion amongst themselves. The senior team debated whether to abolish the monarchy (chaired by Ben, proposed by me, and opposed by Djimon). We all spoke without notes (in contrast to the other three teams from other schools). However, the competition was far closer than last time, with strong speeches on abolishing private schools, legalising cannabis and supporting positive discrimination coming from the other schools, who won best opposer and best chairperson. However, Wilson's won best proposer and in the end were declared the victors, and will go on to the final!

Wilson’s Junior Team unfortunately did not get through to the final, but Maxim in Year 8 won the Best Opposer in his category. A strong start to his debating career at Wilson’s!

Ian, Year 13