PERSUADE, INFLUENCE, INSPIRE

Debating can give students the power to persuade, influence and inspire others. It deepens their knowledge of controversial issues and world affairs and makes them better able to appreciate both sides of an argument. The English-Speaking Union’s Schools’ Mace, the oldest and largest debating competition for schools in England, hones all these skills in a fun, competitive environment helping students think for themselves, share their ideas and widen their circle of friends. Working in teams of two, students enhance their speech-writing, public speaking and critical thinking, helping them to excel both in and out of school.

So, with a little trepidation two debate teams from The Wensleydale School & Sixth Form travelled to take part in a Mace-Style evening at St Peter’s School in York on the 13^th March. The event was planned to build on the momentum of the Mace heats of the recent English Speaking Union competition, (a competition where we were represented by a team of Emrys Lawton and Ros Monaghan). The format used was Extended Mace where each team is made up of two debaters. The Motion for debate was ‘This House would bring back extinct plants and animals’. One team of Sophie Neate and Rebecca Kilker were up against a team from St Peter’s School and our other team of Amy Neate and Zoe Bell were up against Manor CE Academy. Both our teams were in the Proposition and constructed strong arguments around environmental, medical and financial points. They were able to deal with all Points of Information from the Opposition with poise and skill.

When judging was completed, Rebecca Kilker and Sophie Neate were deemed to have won their match, however, Amy Neate and Zoe Bell were deemed to have lost their match – both teams performed excellently and represented the school exceptionally well. In acknowledgement of individual speakers, both Amy Neate and Sophie Neate were presented with the ‘Most Promising Speaker’ awards.

The debate club is now looking forward to our next competition on the 28^th March in York for The Up for Debate North East regional competition. A team of Maddie Hey, Arthur Moss and Zoe Bell will representing The Wensleydale School & Sixth Form.

This week we were delighted to hold  ‘The songs of the centenary workshop’ working with the North Yorkshire Service Champion Annabel Hall and students from RAF Leeming Community Primary School. The students worked with a professional musician to write and produce their own song, remembering WW1. Their song will be entered into a national competition run by the ‘Never such innocence’ charity which is dedicated to educating young people about the First World War, its impact and legacy, through creative means  for the WW1 Centenary celebrations.

Our students had a great time, thoroughly enjoyed themselves and the song is fabulous.