Christ College pupils look forward to Cambridge Union Schools Debates Regional Final

12 Feb 2013

Lower Sixth pupils David Silk and Will Thomas will represent Christ College at the Regional Finals of the prestigious Cambridge Union Schools Debates at Marling School, Stroud, on the 28th January.

In December, David and Will won the Wales round which took place at Howell’s School in Cardiff. In this round, debates took place in five separate rooms, with four teams competing in each room. Each team participated in two debates, with one debate motion: “This House would ban the United Nations Security Council Veto” being announced before the evening. Teams had just fifteen minutes to prepare for the second motion: “This House would ban zoos”.

David and Will were judged to be winners in their room and so the Christ College team was one of five winning teams on the evening. They received news that they were the overall winners on December 10th.

In the two debates Will and David gave an excellent account of themselves through their thoughtful and considered approach. In each debate they faced opponents from Monmouth School and St John’s College Cardiff who were more experienced in debating, but whose abrasive and intimidating approach was deemed less effective in the final adjudication. This result should give the boys confidence in their ability and approach to debating.

Maximilian von Poser travelled to Cardiff as an interested observer but volunteered to participate in debates taking place in a different room at very short notice. His performance elicited praise from the adjudicators.

English teacher Mr Stephen Ballinger said: “As expected, all three boys were a great credit to the school.”

Photo: Will, Maximilian and David