Debating

Debating, as an extracurricular activity, plays a vital role in the holistic development of our students. It goes beyond mere words exchanged in a formal setting; it serves as a platform for fostering confidence, critical thinking, and effective communication skills. Here at our school, we recognise the immense value that debating brings to our students' growth, and support this by providing opportunities for our students to compete in debating competitions.

One of the key benefits of debating is the enhancement of confidence. When students engage in debating, they are required to articulate their thoughts and ideas in front of an audience. This experience helps them overcome the fear of public speaking and boosts their self-assurance. As they develop their presentation skills, students gradually gain confidence in expressing their opinions and defending their viewpoints. This newfound confidence extends far beyond the debating arena, empowering our students to excel in other areas of their academic and personal lives.

Debating can be a powerful tool for honing critical thinking abilities. In the process of constructing persuasive arguments, students are encouraged to research, analyse, and evaluate various perspectives on a given topic. They learn to weigh the strengths and weaknesses of different viewpoints, to identify logical fallacies, and to develop evidence-based arguments. Debating challenges students to think critically, to approach complex issues from multiple angles, and to communicate their thoughts in a clear and coherent manner. These skills are invaluable, as they enable our students to become astute and discerning thinkers who can navigate the complexities of the world around them.

Debating also fosters teamwork and collaboration. Students learn to work together in teams, respecting different opinions and perspectives. They engage in rigorous discussions, listening attentively to their peers' arguments, and building upon each other's ideas. Through this collaborative process, students develop a sense of camaraderie, empathy, and mutual respect. These interpersonal skills are crucial for success not only in academic settings but also in future professional environments.

If you are still interested in joining our debating team please contact Emma Fowler.

Problem of the Week

George, William, John, Abe, and Millard have their birthdays on consecutive days, all between Monday and Friday.

• George’s birthday is as many days before Millard’s and William’s is after Abe’s.
• John is two days older than Abe.
• Millard’s birthday is on Thursday.

Can you figure out whose birthday is on each day?

The answer to the last Problem of the week in the Week 9 Newsletter is Saber is taking a nap, ­Ginger is getting her ears scratched, Nutmeg is ­going for a walk, Pepper is burying a chew toy, and Bear is playing catch.

Movie Night

We are delighted to share the success of our recent Movie Night, a memorable evening filled with laughter, joy, and a great sound track. The main attraction of the evening was the many pyjamas in the room oh and also Sing 2.

The lights dimmed, the screen flickered to life, and our young audience was mesmerised. We are immensely grateful to the P&F for their commitment to enhancing our students' experiences beyond the classroom. Special thanks are due to the event volunteers who generously contributed their time and energy to ensure the smooth execution of Movie Night. Their efforts in setting up, organising the nibbles and drinks as well as ensuring the night was a success were greatly appreciated.

We look forward to more movie nights in the future.

Emma Fowler