St Philip's School - 3rd June 2025

A tremendous session post the half term break. We began with an extensive newsround, taking in the Defence Review, the Mount Etna eruption, the Liverpool football tragedy and likewise with the post PSG celebrations, along with reflections on the War in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East.

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 Warm-up question asked: ‘Should the UK have more Bank Holidays?’

The group divided, with many in favour of more restful periods and the chance to recharge batteries, as well as supporting the hospitality industry, whilst others thought the hit to the economy would be too significant to make the change.

The set-piece for the debate looked at the Defence review with the motion:

‘This House would spend more money on Defence’. The teams divided with the focus on whether submarine and munitions were the right priority on the one hand, whilst others pushed for greater spending on education and healthcare at home. In the end the motion was carried by a narrow majority.

Well done all on such thoughtful contributions throughout the session, along with excellent rebuttal and POIs.