By Miss Gordon, Public Speaking and Debating Lead

On Saturday 10th June six NHEHS pupils took part in the GDST Junior Debate at Putney High School. It was the first time debating for all students and they really showed immense progress since the start of term in their ability to structure and formulate arguments, without being allowed to do computer-based research for unseen motions. Well done to: Esha, Lilia, Sofia, Lexie, Adeline, and Farah.

Special mention to Lilia who broke through to the Novice Grand Final and came second!

The motions were:

Round 1: This house would tax inheritance at 100%

Round 2: This House Would require mothers and fathers to take an equal amount of parental leave (i.e. if the mother takes 6 months of maternity leave the father also takes 6 months paternity leave).

Round 3: Assuming your immediate family would join you, This House Would volunteer to go to Earth. The accompanying information slide included: We have found an Earth-like planet. It does not have any human-like species, but it has a wide variety of animals just like Earth. We are confident we can get there, but we cannot get back. The first ship is taking 10.000 volunteers.

In the Novice Finals: This House Regrets the Rise of E-Scooters

Many thanks to our Debating Coach, Hamza Nouman, for his ongoing support and expertise in helping our students prepare and do their best in competitions.