Kensington Wade School Debating & Interview Clubs - 2nd & 6th June 2025

A great session post the half term break. We began with a varied newsround, taking in Mount Etna and the latest on eruptions, to footballing news and half term travel fun.

Our skill of the week focussed on the ancient concept of PATHOS – and how to garner and elicit pity from an audience, from the argument being made. The aim being to inspire an emotional response.

Our unseen of the week looked at an ‘on this day in history from 2 June’: The late ‘Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation on this day (2 June 1953)’.

Debating motions took in the topics/questions:

·         Should the UK have more Bank Holidays?

·         ‘This House agrees with the US Treasury’s position on ending the role of the penny-cent’ and ‘Should we remove the coinage in the UK?’

·         Should we not just ban Zoos? Rather than reform the rules to improve animal welfare?

·         ‘This House would have more Drama lessons in Schools’

The debate on Zoos generated a really impressive set of thoughtful contributions, with many arguing for conservation and education, against those taking an animal welfare line that anything involving a cage is cruel.

Looking forward to next week!