
2025 has got off to a hugely impressive start with our Knightsbridge Debating and Interview club.
It has been tremendous see old and new faces alike in what is a very talented group.
On skills we have worked on body language for discussions and argumentation, as well as persuasive language, POIs and strong opening and closing statements.
Newsrounds have included a review of the devastating fires in LA, AI and Fake news, the ban of TikTok in the US, Storms in the US and UK, the resignation of Justin Trudeau in Canada, the talk of a sale of Greenland, the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, the Presidential Inauguration of Donald Trump and his Vice President JD Vance, a potential new runway at Heathrow, Global warming/Climate change, the Great Barrier Reef and Coral, and Space exploration.
We have also looked at what words the groups thought embodied leadership, a selection including:
Confident, Integrity, Kind, Generous, Polite, Supportive, Inspirational, Brave, and Determined.
Warm-up questions have reflected on holidays as well as New Year’s Resolutions, with various suggestions from taking up new sports, reading more, languages and hobbies, to greater work focus or time-management. In addition we asked the group for their 'favourite words and why?' as well as 'if they could meet any fictional character from the history of fiction?'
We have also asked: 'What role do you enjoy playing in team sports or activities?' (from position such as striker to captaincy)
'If you could implement a new school rule, what would it be and why?' (no school uniform, more authority, changing noise volume at lunch)
'What is one invention you think would greatly improve your daily life? How would it work?'
In addition, we discussed what we thought has been the greatest technological invention of all time? Ideas included the first Space Landing, to the Industrial Revolution and Steam Engine, and Flying.
Debates have taken in motions on a sale/purchase of Greenland, and inspired by the harrowing stories and scenes of the LA fires, a debate on climate change and whether we should act now? Or, if the focus should be Bezos/Musk style on Planet B and space? and 'Whether Actions matter more than Words' and finally 'This House would study the oceans first before we invest in space research?'
In unseen work, we have tackled x2 images (unseen) of the late Queen Elizabeth II to see if we could spot the AI option, as well as an AI painting of Charles III. This led to some fascinating conclusions as to the power of AI and what this might mean for jobs in the future.
Well done all on a super start to 2025!
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