Friday Headlines
the weekly newsletter from EHS
Strong Start for Debating Club
11 February 2022
With the demanding pressures of Year 13 and being Head Girl, Fareedat Kenyon relinquished the role of Debating Captain and as befits her legendary status she was replaced by not one, but four new captains! Abigail Tomlinson, Marie-Eve Kavanagh, Indira and Davina Jagpal have thrown themselves into their roles with great enthusiasm. This has allowed us to expand debating this academic year so that there are now two clubs running in school as well as our termly online debates.
Last term we had our first online debate of the year. There were some teething problems at the start with microphones not working, sibling issues, dogs barking and mums shouting. Carmen Sanchez Diamente was our chair. It was her very first time, but she was a natural. Her confident manner was much appreciated. Abigail was the proposition and Marie-Eve was the opposition. Carmen then opened up the floor and we were delighted by the contributions of Year 10 and Year 11.
Abigail Tomlinson writes:
“In Junior Debating we have discussed:
• Whether books are better than films
• How far is it acceptable for protesters to disrupt public life and block roads
• Whether Disney Princesses are good role models for young girls
• Whether we should search for aliens
• The extent to which medical and cosmetic animal testing are acceptable practices.
“We have also done some balloon debates. We have had a huge level of interest from Year 7 in particular. Every student who has attended has been willing to put forward their
point of view and also to consider the merits of viewpoints different to their own. They have made some brilliant, well-researched and convincing speeches, and impress us
every week with their enthusiasm and knowledge.”
Indira writes:
“In Senior Debating club we have discussed whether the future should be paperless, if the vaccine should be compulsory and the NHS should continue to be a public form of healthcare.”
We know the captains have lots of great ideas for the clubs this term so do get involved!
Mrs Park
