Eaton House Belgravia School - 15th March 2023
This was a superb end of term session and great to recap on skills learnt this term, and how to tackle Points of Information and assemble an argument in proposition and opposition form.
As part of a Coronations Project at King's College London university, the group took part in a Coronations Quiz - exploring their existing knowledge about the kings and queens of the UK and about crowns, crown jewels and other aspects linked to the forthcoming ceremony in May. It was great to see such enthusiasm and such excellent questions.
After the Quiz, we focussed on the motion:
'This House would keep the monarchy (kings or queens) in the UK rather than vote for a President for example'.
The group voted in favour of retaining the monarchy in both tellings - arguing that the system works and provides certainty and stability. The cost argument was used on both sides of the motion, and so too tradition and the idea of choice.
Well done all for a wonderful set of debates this term and we look forward to resuming after the holidays.
Knightsbridge School - 16th March 2023
This week, we turned as part of a Coronations Project at King's College London university to a Coronations Quiz. We explored the group's existing knowledge about the kings and queens of the UK and about crowns, processions, crown jewels and other aspects such as anointing, linked to the forthcoming ceremony in May. It was fantastic to see such enthusiasm and such superb questions.
This was followed by another excellent sessions of newsround (again requested by the group!) showing an impressive display of informed views and current affairs knowledge. Each point was discussed and then analysed by the group.
Following our newsround-up of current affairs - including strikes, the Willow Project in the USA, and the budget - we turned to our central debate, on the motion:
In the light of Gary Lineker's tweet, this House would allow for free speech and his comments without restrictions?
The group voted in favour of free speech without limitations in both tellings, but the arguments suggested that language mattered and Lineker should have thought a little more about the words he used when tweeting them. This was less a specific argument towards Lineker and a general point, that words matter and care should be taken especially by those in public eye. BBC impartiality was seen as very important, but not as critical as free speech.
Well done all on a first class debate!
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