By Miss Gordon, Public Speaking Co-Ordinator

Year 10 Hosting Morning

Earlier this month our Year 10s took part in a Hosting Morning. The year group worked in teams of three and each member adopted one role of Chairperson (Host), Speaker, or Questioner.

They then ‘hosted’ a discussion on topics of their choice.

Topics included:

The debate over music ownership rights.

Why sharks need protecting.

The Civil War in Sri Lanka.

The experience of living in different countries.

Egg-free baking is not that hard.

How art, literature, and rebellion are linked.

The objective of the event was linked to our wider Social Education Programme, helping equip students to better understand and communicate through dialogue and questioning, rather than ‘cancelling’ another’s view. The morning was also designed to practise softer skills in confident introductions, thinking on feet, and having meaningful questioning that is genuinely driven by trying to understand perspectives rather than combative in style.

GDST Senior Debate

The following week three NHEHS teams represented us in the GDST Senior Debate. It was hosted online and open to students in Years 10-13.

NHEHS 1: Tara M. and Matilda H. (Y10)

NHEHS 2: Nilana and Korina (Y12)

NHEHS 3: Sophie A. and Selena A. (Y12)

They debated three motions during the course of the evening:

This House, as a Tory MP, would have voted ‘no confidence’ in Boris Johnson.

This House believes nationalism does more good than harm.

This House would prefer to live in a world where the norm is to pursue higher education in your early/mid-twenties rather than in your late teens.

All participants engaged with relevant, pertinent arguments, offering and responding to points of information. They fulfilled their assigned roles of Opening Government, Opening Opposition, Closing Government, Closing Opposition well, having to think on their feet with only 15min prep time and no resources/ internet access permitted. Each also had to argue a view with which they personally disagreed, a feat in itself. It was particularly pleasing to see the students draw on precise examples from their academic lessons (from the Vietnam War, to concepts of Modern Liberalism) to furnish their convincing arguments. Special mention to Sophie and Selena who won two of their three debates!

Congratulations to all participants. I am delighted to announce that each team won one of their debates – the first time they have achieved this accolade, well done all!