On Wednesday 10^th May, 18 girls from Year 5 hiked up to South Hampstead High in North London to take part in a fiery debating competition.

The girls split into teams of three, coining themselves inventive names such as ‘The Debating Queens of Dream’, ‘The FHS Giant Jaguars’ and ‘The Dazzling Debating Diamonds’. The first round was a ‘seen motion’ entitled “This House believes adult focused parenting is better for under 13s”. Even some of the adults in the room were stumped. The competition saw a further two rounds of impromptu motions where teams were given 15 minutes to prepare amongst themselves with no adult support.

The debates were fast paced and fierce with ‘The FHS Grizzlies’ proving to be an unstoppable force against other teams. Regardless of winning or losing, the experience was invaluable for all the girls who took part. Debating equips the girls with essential life skills which they will take with them into their respective senior schools. Live competitions serve as a brilliant platform for the girls to interact with pupils from different schools, think quickly on their feet, grow and mature. They will always remember such events.

Mr Russell, Year 6 Class Teacher