Last Wednesday evening (Thursday 14th January), two teams from Manor House School took part in a Debate Competition called ‘Youth Speaks’ at Downsend School, Leatherhead. With eight teams taking part and it being our very first entry, we are so pleased to announce that the Year 9 team went ahead to win the competition and will progress to the Rotary District 1250 Northern Intermediate semi-final, to be held between 6 and 11 February.
Representing Year 8 were Candice, Emma and Kathleen. Our Year 9 team consisted of Abigail, Jennifer and Isabella. The competition was organised by The Rotary Club of Dorking. It was a formal event with many rules and regulations including strict timing restrictions indicated by traffic lights. Each speaker was allocated a specific time allowance to win over their audience. It was the girls’ first debating competition but they certainly held their own against the other school teams: St John’s, Box Hill School, St Teresa’s and Downsend.
Year 8 were third in the running order and compelled the audience with their speech entitled ‘Why do we always want more?’ Emma, the Chairperson, introduced the speech beautifully with an engaging opening and Candice’s speech was interesting and thought-provoking. A special commendation to Kathleen, who stepped in at the last minute to propose the Vote of Thanks.
Year 9 took the stage later in the evening and impressed the judges with their very confident address. Their teamwork was apparent with many links in their speeches on the topic of ‘Ying and Yang: Fighting for Harmony in Gender Equality’. All three were very persuasive with Abigail shining in her role as the main speaker.
Mrs Mayes, Head of English at Manor House School said: “I am incredibly proud of both teams’ great tenacity and determination and I am looking forward to the next stage of the competition.
For more information on Manor House School’s English department, please click here.
