Congratulations to the Year 12 Debate Team who came second in the Debating Matters National Championships on Friday 15th March at the House of Lords.
Students Joseph Burman, Otega Hugbo, Samuele Salvatore and Savannah Dorjee debated against teams from Ecclesbourne and Gillingham. They did well to win their first debate, 'Cancel Culture is a threat to freedom of speech', and although as finalists they convinced the audience that 'Western Museums should repatriate cultural artefacts' they didn't persuade their judges, Lord Ranger of Northwood, Lord Trevethin and Oaksey and Dr. Jan Macvarish.
Honorable mentions for excellent individual contributions went to Samuele and Otega and support came from eight members of Year 12 who travelled up to London for the day and who enjoyed a tour of the House and a meeting with Newman College alumnus Jack Churchill; Jack is currently working as a Parliamentary Assistant in Westminster and was himself a member of a Debating Matters Newman team when he was in the Sixth Form. You can find out more about Debating Matters at here
Students in Years 10 and 11 who want to learn more about debating are welcome to come along to NF13 after school on Tuesdays from 3-4.15pm, or contact Mr. Shears on p.shears@cncs.co.uk