ARTICULATE AND GLOBALLY AWARE PUPILS EMBRACE DINNER AND DEBATING EVENING

Brimming with confidence and conviction, twenty-four Year 8 pupils came together with teachers and staff for Prep's inaugural Dinner and Debate Evening.

The two groups of pupils were invited to debate the motion: humans are the most destructive animal on the planet.

Over the course of two hours they articulately and passionately shared their arguments; challenging their opponents with pithy rebuttals underpinned by facts, statistics, considered opinion and emotion.

Pupil-led, a range of themes were covered, from art to politics; deforestation to technology; evolution to war; and everything in between – including citing Hamilton and the rewilding of beavers in our neighbouring village of Willington.

The development and application of their oral and written communication skills, critical thinking, research acumen, creativity, and ability to respond effectively and politely to divergent viewpoints showed a maturity and capability beyond their years.

Year 8 pupil Deen L, who spoke on the side of the proposing team, said: “The whole event was great; I particularly enjoyed preparing and reading my speech and the back-and-forth heated arguments with the opposing team. I hope we do it again!”

As the opposing team pointed out, we may be the most destructive animal on the planet, but we are the most creative, constructive and capable of change. These young people are certainly to be celebrated as the change-makers and leaders of tomorrow.

Interim Headmaster Mark Brotherton commented: "These pupils showed a remarkable level of global awareness and emotional intelligence during this intense evening of debating. Events such as these, that invite pupils to consider a new perspective, play an important role in preparing them for the next step in their educational journey and the quality of the debating certainly showed me that these pupils have a very bright future."