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St. Kitts International Academy Debating & Public Speaking Club - 7th May

Dr George Gross

Updated: Sep 29, 2024


We were again hugely impressed with our SKI Debating & Public Speaking Club.

Our skill focus this week looked at presentation/and argumentation with the use of a list format. 


For our warm up we then turned to our interview style question with an emphasis on 'why'?:

'Tell us about a book you have recently read and enjoyed?' The key here was to look for detail and explanation (not forgetting author's name). 

From a Zombie goldfish to Roald Dahl's Matilda we had excellent examples, with detailed description of a 'page turner'. 


Our newsround saw reference to the Coronation anniversary of King Charles III, the elections in India, Gun crime in the USA, and AI generated images for the Met Gala. 


We then looked at the Space Race, 20th century history and NASA's latest efforts with Boeing's Starliner. 


Our debates this week covered:


(i) The motion: 'This House would invest more in Space Discovery' & 'Should NASA build their own machinery or buy from the market?' In the first case, the group divided 50/50 on whether it was a vital role for the world to look beyond the planet or alternatively focus that investment on key themes/topics such as education, climate change and transport links. Given Boeing's recent performance, the group voted unanimously in favour of NASA making their own. 


We then turned to two debates on the back of two anniversary occasions - 30 years of the Channel Tunnel and the Coronation anniversary for King Charles III. 


Motion 1: 'This House would supports the idea of monarchy over the idea of presidents' &

Motion 2: 'This House would invest in more undersea trains'. 


The group voted unanimously in favour of the idea of monarchy, matching the recent poll in the UK in support of King Charles III. Standing above the fray, bringing people together, tradition and fear of the alternative all weighed heavily in the debate. There were concerns about the concept of hereditary rule, but the Presidential alternatives across the world did not inspire the group, particularly with the US presidential election choice for 2024. 

Undersea trains divided the floor at both tellings, with many in favour of new links and infrastructure, whilst others very concerned about cost and lack of planning/budget. However, the idea of a link between St Kitts and Nevis did grab attention to improve trade and commerce between the two islands, in contrast to the 'very slow' ferry. 


Another great session! Well done all. 

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