Politics Students Persuade the Judges at ISA Public Speaking Competition

Last weekend, students studying A Level Politics gained hands on experience in research and reasoning, after competing in the Independent Schools Association’s latest Public Speaking and Debating competition.

Up against strong talent from LVS Ascot and Cardiff Sixth Form College, Team LP were delighted to take home the overall trophy as well as celebrate Patrick and Aiden’s individual awards for ‘Organisation of Presentation including Time Management’ and ‘Presentation Style’.

As challenging as debating can be normally, entrants had to adapt to a very different competition this year with the event being held online. On Saturday 8th May, the class gathered in school to virtually join the event.

The motions for this year’s competition were; ‘Monuments to controversial historical figures should remain’, ‘There should be limits to free speech on social media’ and ‘Trial by jury is the best guarantor of justice’. Leighton Park were asked to argue that statues should be taken down, that there should be limits to freedom of speech online, and to support the jury system as the best form of justice.  All three debates were won!

Richard Duckett, Head of Politics and Global Perspectives commented “The whole Politics class was keen to get involved in the experience, from research and planning to those who fronted the debate. It was a brilliant team effort. The team was polite and respectful in all their debates, and they presented very clearly and cogently.  They were great ambassadors for the School.”

Together with his Politics lessons, Aiden cited co-curricular club, Aspiring High as an opportunity to prepare for the challenge and develop his skills. “Aspiring High has helped me with trying to plan under time and only sticking to what is essential, as well as articulating my point of view in a way that would persuade others. Debating has always been something I’m quite good at and I’ve always enjoyed it, especially when you’re debating for something you don’t actually believe in; it teaches you to put aside your personal feelings.”