Powerful and persuasive public speaking matters more than ever, and this year’s Inter House Debating Competition was closely fought.

Round 1 of the competition saw Imbert Terry face Bagnall Oakeley.  The motion they debated was ‘This house believes that the pen is mightier than the sword.’

Mather Jackson and Prosser debated the motion ‘This house believes that a picture is worth a thousand words.’  Girls from years 7, 8 and 9 took part and they did a fantastic job, gaining hard won experience of public speaking in the cut and thrust of live debate.

Mather Jackson and Imbert Terry went through to the final, debating the motion: ‘This house believes that we are our own worst enemies’.

Mr Whateley, Head of Ethics and Philosophy, commented: “The speeches were wide ranging, well researched and delivered with confidence and charisma.  Huge congratulations and thanks to all who took part, as well as to the winning team from Mather Jackson.”