Written by Sebastian KH, Teme House
After watching last year’s thrilling House Debating Competition, I was inspired to participate this year. I was joined by Lucien S and Oscar B for our first debate representing Teme House, which proved to be a challenging start. We were arguing for a four-day school week, which proved popular among the audience for some reason, and Gibbs’ put up a strong defence, but we ultimately were able to secure our first victory.
The nerves were high as it was everyone’s first encounter with debating, and we discovered where our strengths and weaknesses were. After our first victory, we realised that we might have a chance of winning and changed gears and started chasing our next triumph. Our next opponents were the formidable Saints’ House. For this debate I was joined by Christian S, who was also going to experience debating for the first time, and the experienced Hilmi M who participated last year.
It was a lively and cutthroat debate, with Saints’ proposing an age limit for national office holders. There was a lot of back and forth about the merits and abilities of our seniors, but Teme was able to win the floor vote, as well as the judges’ vote and move forward to the final of the competition. None of us thought we would be in the chairs for the final, and the pressure was on, as Teme had never made it this far before and the whole House was yearning for that first victory. With mocks coming up, a DT project to submit and a debate to prepare, it was undoubtedly the most intense week I have experienced at the College.
For our final debate I was joined once again by Oscar and Hilmi. After days of preparation, it was the final fateful Thursday night in the Sanderson room, opposing the motion: This House would abolish the monarchy. The room was packed with an audience expecting greatness, but could we deliver? Watching Handford, two-time runners up and more motivated than ever, deliver their opening arguments, I sat listening attentively, as the realisation of the herculean task ahead set in. A beaming Mr Atkinson watched as we each delivered our speeches, and picked apart each other’s arguments, seeking to gain an advantage. Once we were done, I breathed a sigh of relief, it was over, but had it been enough?
The judges disappeared into conclave, while we sat nervously waiting. After what felt like an interminable length of time, they appeared. The Head Master took the floor and we all held our breaths, until we heard the momentous words: “the winner is Teme!”. A jubilant wave of excitement swept our Housemaster’s face. For the first time, the House Debating shield would find a home in Teme House’s trophy cabinet.
House Debating was an excellent experience, and I thoroughly enjoyed trying something new. Collaborating with others in my House helped strengthen my teamwork and collaboration skills. The competition presented an interesting intellectual challenge and, despite the nerves, incredibly worthwhile.
