By Miss Gordon, Public Speaking Co-ordinator

On Saturday 24th Sept, eight students represented NHEHS at the St Paul’s Girls’ School Women’s Open Debate. This was a national competition debating unseen motions. Topics included: THW ban faith schools; THW ban animal testing; and THP that in a post-pandemic world people should work exclusively from home.

Congratulations Nilana, Korina, Elizabeth and Lewhat (our Sixth Formers), Felicity, Tara and Avneet (in Year 11) and Jemima (in Year 10) for competing. It was wonderful to see them thinking on their feet, responding and offering points of information, and considering how best to select and structure their range of arguments. It was particularly wonderful to see the strong team spirit amongst the group, all supporting one another. This was especially true of Felicity who, despite it being her first ever debate, made Jemima (also a debating novice) feel welcome and confident.

We were thrilled to come away with accolades! Jemima and Felicity broke in to the Novice Final, coming 2nd in the entire competition! Felicity was also awarded 2nd best speaker, whilst Jemima won joint 5th best speaker, and Avneet 11th best speaker (out of 42 novice speakers). Tara and Lewhat were also awarded joint 11th best speakers in the overall speaker list out of 75 participating students.

Well done to all!