SPGS Women’s Open debating championship

The 2021 edition of the SPGS Women’s Open debating competition, which gathered 36 teams from 12 different schools on Zoom last Saturday 18 September, was a resounding success. This yearly tournament is entirely organised and run by our students, who hope to share their love of debating and to attract more girls to their favourite ‘sport’. Aimed at novice, or less experienced debaters, the tournament focusses on inclusion and encouragement and seeks to provide a supportive environment for them to practice their skills. The VIII debaters (Abby, Alex, Creagh, Isobel and Kitty) were in charge of recruiting judges, choosing motions, and doing the initial workshop and briefings. And what a splendid job they made of it! They were joined for the adjudicating by the VI and VII debaters (Anya, Emily, Eppie, Maya and Tanya), while some of our LV debaters stepped in as swing teams. We congratulate the King’s College School students in winning both the grand final and the novice final.

All our student organisers and judges were thoroughly professional. Hats off to Isobel (VIII), our convenor turned tab-master, who masterminded and ran the whole show with remarkable calm, poise and efficiency. We have received much positive feedback from participating schools. To quote but one: “Our students had a wonderful experience and have already contacted me eager to have another go in other events!”. Mission accomplished!