‘Thought-provoking’ voting ideas to the fore as Manor wins Junior Debating Competition

Teams from Park House and Manor House took part in the Grand Final of the Junior Debating Competition on Monday 26 June.

The motion was a challenging one: “This house believes that young people (18-24) should be given a double-weighted vote in all elections”.

Boys explored issues of fairness and equality, as well as considering the importance of engaging people of all ages in politics and examining the role young people play in setting political agendas.

Sarah Pinto del Rio, Debating Coordinator, said: “The ideas were lively and thought-provoking, which encouraged fantastic questions in the floor debate and ensured both Houses were fully involved with the topic.

“In the end Manor House prevailed, managing to weave more rebuttal and evaluation into their speeches. However, it was a close-run competition.”

Judging panel members (including James Fisher, Deputy Head Co-Curricular, and Ruth Davis, Head of Universities and Careers, as well as Mrs Pinto del Rio) were impressed by the standards of presentation and confidence demonstrated by the boys, and praised their commitment to the competition at this busy time of year.

The Grand Final took place in the School’s Smythe Library Gardens.