Falkner House Girls' School - 19th May 2025

This was a superbly dynamic session, made all the more exciting by two hard-fought debates concluding the session. 

We began with a tremendous newsround, taking in an array of local and international news. The group really impressed in this section and the enthusiasm on display is tremendous to see/hear! From the Chelsea Flower Show, to Trump's Gulf trade tour, AI news and the need/argument for nuclear power, to the War in Ukraine, and the inauguration of a new Pope - we looked at an extensive list of news.

For skills this week we focussed on closing statements - a key part of the conclusion of a debate.  

Our warm-up question asked: 

• 'Is it better to be right or better to be kind?'

Circumstance - 'it depends' - had the resounding vote, with the group pushing for a middle-way/via media option in the voting. 

We also looked at an unseen-'on this day' example, the theme this week took in the execution in 1536 of Anne Boleyn. 

We then divided into teams for our set-piece debates. The motions:

'This House believes audio books are better than printed books';

'This House thinks that theatre/plays are better than cinema/movies'. 

Voting remained divided at the second telling in each case. 

Well done all for such an impressive set of sessions this first half of term!