The Socratic Club - 22nd February 2026

It was great to welcome our groups back at the end of the half term break.

We discussed highlights, from skiing, to time with friends and time to read, Chinese New Year celebrations, the Winter Olympics, O2 bowling, Fencing competitions, visits to Cambridge University, trips to Sweden and general relaxation.

Our skill focus this week turned to summary speaking and the importance of rebuttal.

Warm-up questions included:

·       ‘Do we value art correctly?’ (inspired by the recent Michelangelo sale)

·       ‘Do you play any musical instruments?’ (what an array we heard about, including: singing, piano, violin, guitar, harp, and clarinet)

Our newsround featured protests in Iran, the US Supreme Court ruling on Trump’s tariffs, the Six Nations, Winter Olympics, and the T20 Cricket World Cup.

Debating motions included:

·       ‘This House believes that we should still learn Latin and Ancient Greek’

·       ‘Should the school day start later?’

·       This House would ban parents from mobile phone use when involved in childcare’

The study of Classics saw resounding support by both groups, whilst the status quo on school start times, also won out. Dividing lines were most clearly seen on the warm-up question with the valuation of art.

Excellent debating from all!