St. Kitts International Academy Debating & Public Speaking Club - 20th May 2025

This was a wonderfully dynamic session, made all the more exciting by the addition of a new member to the club.

We began with a tremendous round-up of highlights from the week - from sleepovers, dramatic weather, to dance class and family time. 

We then turned to our 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 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. 

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

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

'This House would invest in nuclear energy for the AI industry'; 

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

Voting remained split during the session, with some change at the second telling in each case.

Well done all for such impressive active listening as well as closing statements!