By Miss Gordon, Public Speaking Co-Ordinator

On Saturday 18th September, six students represented NHEHS at the St Paul’s Girls’ School Women’s Open Debating Competition. This was a national competition which attracted 36 teams from 12 different schools to debate on Zoom. The students debated unseen motions including:

“This House believes it is better to write a new show with a main female character than to recast Dr. Who as female.”

“This House would not imprison non-violent offenders.”

“This House would ban single sex schools.”

A big ‘well done’ to Alex D and Nadia M-S, and Asha M and Evangeline R who combined forces last minute when their team members had to withdraw – fantastic team work skills, and ability to be flexible! They will be awarded certificates by their Head of Year in due course.

Two students out of over 70 participants came first on Speaker Points – winning their series of debates and topping the Novice Grand Final, despite it being their very first time debating! Well done to Ella M and Matilda H.

Huge congratulations for representing NHEHS with such aplomb!

Next up for our debating teams is the South Hampstead Public Speaking Event to be held on Wednesday 13th October on Zoom, organised by South Hampstead High School GDST. Each participant will deliver a five minute prepared speech on a topic that interests them and answer questions on it, introduce and ask questions of another speaker (like a compere) plus also ask questions as an audience member and vote on the winner.

Good luck to all our debaters and we look forward to hearing how they get on!