The House Debating Competition has continued the tradition of being hard-fought, controversial and entertaining. With every House fielding a team, Thursday nights were dramatic and informative with topics such as returning cultural property residing in museums to its place of origin, abolishing the House of Lords and replacing public examinations with teacher assessments. 

The House teams showed great skill and preparation, working really well together to craft precise and convincing arguments.  It has been wonderful to see the enthusiasm and organisation with which the teams approached the competition. Judging this year proved a difficult task as the standard of argument was outstanding.  Support from the audience was at an all-time high, with packed houses almost every Thursday, especially as we came close to the final.  Sankey’s, Manor, Handford and Gibbs’ made it into the coveted Final Four where the atmosphere was similar to centre court at Wimbledon. The final motion This House believes that the film is better than the book featured Handford and Gibbs’ yet again battling out, with the Head Master, Dr Keane and Mrs Dugdale judging. After a very close debate showcasing excellent arguments and rebuttals, Gibbs’ House claimed the prize.  

 

 

Congratulations go to Tamilore A, Nur L, Tise O, Sofiia S, Laurin S and Louisa V for their participation and to our audiences, judges, chairs and timekeepers for making this competition so enjoyable. 


From participants: 

‘As a keen actress and someone who is passionate about politics, current affairs and international human rights, I decided to join the wonderful Matilde and Nika in representing Sankey’s House in the Lancing College House Debating competition. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the intellectual rigour of researching why our house believed immigration was good for the UK and then presenting our arguments against our two very confident opponents. The euphoria of winning against the opposing house was insurmountable and all I could think about was winning at the next round. I was also pleasantly surprised with my performance in that debate since the last time I had entered a Debating Competition was when I was in Year 6 at Lancing Prep Worthing and my team proposed the motion of banning technology for children on Sundays!  

I felt slightly uneasy when I learnt that at our next debate, Sankey’s House would be tasked with  opposing the broadcasting of court cases, however, I was completely intrigued at how I started my research with one point of view but by the end, I had formulated a completely different opinion.  Not only did I have to research a huge pool of American court cases, such as the media circus of the OJ Simpson trial, but I was surprised to learn that certain high-profile courts in the UK have had sentencing following the trial broadcast for the last few years.  Moreover, there is strong support from our current Lady Chief Justice (I was pleasantly delighted to learn we finally have a woman in this esteemed position for the first time!) extending these rights still further. However, my team argued this would be in direct contravention of the European Convention on Human Rights, and in the face of fierce competition, Sankey’s secured victory yet again, making it to the semi-finals. At that stage, I had to stand down due to a GCSE exam scheduled for the following day. However, next year I plan to be in the competition all the way to the end and hopefully Sankey’s House will reign victorious!’ 

Izzy B, Fifth Form 

 

‘As I reflect on the annual debating competition, I can’t help but feel a rush of exhilaration and a touch of déjà vu.  Working alongside my fabulous team Louisa and Sofiia, preparing for the final motion ‘This House believes the film is better than the book’ which posed a unique challenge for me, being someone who enjoys both mediums almost equivalently.  Yet, despite our valiant efforts and eloquent arguments, I found myself in familiar territory as the previous year: the dreaded position of runner-up. Ah, well, there's always next year, right? They say the third time is the charm.’ 

Nur L, Upper Sixth 

The thrill of taking part in this exhilarating and fiercely competitive contest turned out to be a total revelation for me, boosting my confidence and teaching me to both persuade and think on my feet, presenting my case and responding to points of information from the opposing team with calmness and clarity under time pressure. I enjoyed it so much that I'm now seriously considering becoming a barrister one day.  

Izzy B, Fifth Form


You can read more about the Summer term highlights in the latest edition of The Quad, Lancing College's termly magazine.