English Speaking Union Debating Mace

The English department have had a very busy half term with teams competing in the second round of the English Speaking Union's debating Mace in Leeds and the first round of the ESU Public Speaking competition in Wakefield. For the former competition, Hugh Whitworth and Gus Smith of the fourth form proposed the motion 'This House would prohibit UK companies from trading with countries which criminalize homosexuality' and narrowly missed a place in the Regional Final, only scoring two points behind their opponents, a much older and more experienced team. For the latter competition, Oliver Parry spoke on digital footprints and liberty, Joe Willis and George Vivian of the fourth form took on the respective roles of Questioner and Chair on the topic of 'Social media makes us increasingly self-obsessed. After another strong showing, the team came a very close third place.