November 28, 2023

The Great Debate: Blessed Hugh Farringdon vs LP

David Hammond, Head of Science, and Richard Duckett, Head of Politics, have yet more talent to their names; in addition to their dedication to their subjects they are passionate about debating! They already deliver the Arguably Awesome debating club for Fryer House with Sixth Form support and the Debate Club for students in Year 9 and above on a weekly basis but in November they have really gone the extra mile.

Thanks to Richard and David, we have welcomed visitors from Years 10, 11 and Lower Sixth at Blessed Hugh Farringdon School, Reading, to Leighton Park for a Debating Masterclass and Competition two weeks running. The event which took place on Tuesday 21st November and on Tuesday 28th November in Peckover Hall saw 16 students from Hugh Farringdon engaging with 12 students from Leighton Park. The afternoons have involved introductions, games and skills training in week 1 and a heated Debating Competition during the second visit.

Today, Peckover Hall vibrated with sound of emphatic voices and passionate speeches as the arguments began at 4.30pm. The six teams took on topics including ‘The Monarchy Should Have Been Abolished When Queen Elizabeth II Died’ and ‘AI is Dangerous and All Development Should Stop’.

Co-Organiser, Richard Duckett was pleased with the event commenting, “Debating develops confidence, reasoning, listening, improvisation and research skills; just a few of the benefits that young people will need for their future lives. The two sessions have built confidence and a few skills to help them become better debaters and developed friendships too! They all exhibited an enjoyment for debating enhanced by meeting others who enjoy it. We should always be looking outside our own schools to create community in our town and expose young people to others they might not otherwise meet. “

After all that vocal exertion and mental exercise the teams had worked up quite an appetite! Luckily the session was followed by a sociable dinner in Oakview restaurant on each occasion so everyone went home refreshed by their experiences.

Richard explained that the genesis of the activity took place at the School’s Green Business Breakfast in October. These two November debating sessions were subsequently set up as an initial activity with a view to doing a three-school Model United Nations (MUN) together in the New Year involving Blessed Hugh Farringdon, Leighton Park and another Reading school, St Joseph’s College.  We look forward to seeing what happens next!

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