The 2023 House Debating Competition took place last week with Corsica emerging as the winner in their debate against Kymes on the topic, ‘This House believes that the Elgin Marbles should be returned to Greece’.

 

 
Arguments for the return of the marbles included the use of robots and 3D printing as a way of allowing the British Museum to have high quality replicas for visitors to see. Head Boy Ed Gordon-Thomson did an exceptional job of leading his two Year 9 teammates, Rowan Byrne and Otis Heyburn, to a decisive win. However, both Ben Twigger and Charlie Bamsey from Kymes showed impressive levels of research into how the Parthenon Marbles came to be in the hands of Lord Elgin in the first place to support their argument against the motion. In addition, students learn the art of arguing positions that they don’t always believe in themselves.

 

In the second debate entitled, ‘This House believes that England needs its own national anthem’, Adair argued that there was absolutely no need for a change. Elle Thompson made a strong case for there being no widespread campaign against the use of God Save the King as the default English national anthem. Her teammates, Lily Souber and Ben Edwardson, were able to face up to some very challenging questions from the floor in defence of the status quo.

 

“Huge thanks to Julian Hart, as the judge for his exceptional feedback given to all participants and also to Miss Utley for her questioning of Adair,” said Alison Thomas, Head of History & Politics.

 

Anyone who is interested in learning more about debating and coming along to explore current affairs, controversial issues and meeting other students is welcome to join Debating Club which takes place every Monday in HU1 at 4:30pm with Alison and Kevin Finniear.