Whitworth triumphs in the Junior Debating Competition

Two Tonbridge School teams went head to head in the final of the 2019 Junior Inter-House Debating Competition, held on Wednesday 19 June. 

Oakeshott House proposed, and Whitworth House opposed, the motion: ‘This House would rather argue than agree’. 

Oakeshott boys Eddie, Olly and Christopher tried to convince the assembled company that to argue was to reason, systematically and respectfully, and attempted to dispel the word ‘argument’ of its negative connotations through examples and humorous anecdotes. Isaac, Kit and Harry from Whitworth took the view that consensus is key, and that civilisation is based on cooperation. 

Later it was the turn of the judges to engage in a heated discussion, in order to determine the winning side. After a lengthy period of deliberation, Whitworth were declared this year’s champions.

Will Law, Head of French, who organised this year’s competition, said: “Healthy argument, it seems, lives on at Tonbridge – and that is exactly what the Inter-House Debating Competition is about. Both teams acquitted themselves superbly, delivering thoroughly-researched and highly persuasive speeches, and fielding points of information and spontaneous interventions with grace and flair.”