On Thursday 4th February, the Gordon’s School Debating team (James, Sophie, Georgina and Matt) took part in the Oxford Union School’s Debate at the Royal Grammar School Guildford. Upon arrival, our two teams were given the first topic: This House believes that in states with a history of racial segregation there should be racial quotas on sports teams.

 

We then had just 15 minutes to put together the argument for the Opening Opposition. An excellent 40 minutes of debating ensued with the Gordon’s team recognising that sport is about bringing people together rather than separating on the basis of race. Our feedback from the chair was excellent: strong speeches and exemplary team work – just a suggestion that we need to think more globally and not be afraid to be intellectually aggressive.

 

The second debate followed immediately: This House would introduce a maximum salary cap. This time working as Closing Government, we took on board the excellent feedback we were given and felt much more confident. Our arguments were more structured and our rhetoric was more forceful.

 

We very much look forward to continuing to develop this style of debating.