Debating Competition WCCS vs St Philip's - 26th June 2025

This was another superb debating competition for the Socratic Cup between WCCS and St Philip’s. In another very closely fought contest WCCS just edged out St Philip’s – thereby levelling the score at 2:2 for the annual competition. We were hugely impressed with the summary speeches from both schools, as well as POIs, contributions from the floor and excellent Proposition and Opposition argumentation.  

The Motions: ‘This House would ban fast food advertising’ and ‘This House would allow countries/leaders to ban people from some countries from travelling to them’.

Each school had the opportunity to take Opposition and Proposition positions.

Neither side knew which side they would be on until the debate itself, so the arguments made and shown were all the more commendable. One of our major goals/targets in Socratic sessions is that of ‘thinking on the spot’ and it was very encouraging to see this firmly on display, accompanied by tremendous active listening, rhetorical questions and rebuttal. It was also very good to find our workshop session emphasis on stories and evidence being applied so comprehensively during the debates.

In the first debate WCCS hit the ground running with an array of excellent arguments and teamwork – winning with a margin. The second debate ended in a tie – if anything with St Philip’s edging it narrowly. Overall WCCS held the day, but both sides deserve considerable commendation for outstanding public speaking and debating.

Well done all on a superb morning of debating!