ESU Regional Final

On Monday 27 February, the school debating team of Eve H, Mika C and Emi S (all Year 12) travelled to the Hertfordshire and Essex High School in Bishop's Stortford for the regional final of the ESU (English-Speaking Union) Schools' Mace debating competition.  

The school did incredibly well to make it through to this round, as we were one of the final six schools from the East of England. The team were proposing the motion ‘This House believes that the UK should pay reparations to former colonies’ against a very strong opposition from the Frances Bardsley Academy.  

Particular congratulations should go to Emi and Mika, for whom this was their first experience on the ESU competition. The judge particularly praised their ability to respond to some rather challenging Points of Information and we were unlucky not to be named regional champions, with that honour instead going to the Bishop's Stortford High School. 

Emi said, "The entire experien ce was incredibly enriching and a great insight into competitive debating." 

Eve commented, "I really enjoyed meeting talented people from other schools and seeing their style of debating. Everyone had an enjoyable time, and I would highly recommend it if you want to challenge yourself!"