Up for Debate

A team of our Sixth Formers has just reached the regional finals of the English Student Union debating competition and Harrodian students are also making their mark in the Model United Nations. 

Five Lower Sixth Harrodians have been showcasing impressive diplomacy, public speaking and critical thinking skills in recent months. Our debating team has just reached the regional finals of the English Speaking Union (ESU) competition whilst members of our MUN club successfully applied for roles as co-chairs. Here we talk to our debaters and diplomats about the school's growing progress in the field and how they're encouraging others to join the fray.

The debating trio, consisting of Rosalie, Thomas, and Lucy, above, emerged victorious in the second round of the ESU debating competition, winning a spot in the regional finals. In last week's debate the Harrodian team opposed the motion proposed by Putney High School: "This House Would abolish the House of Lords," and won  the judges over with the  meticulous preparation, seamless teamwork, and intelligent responses they brought to their arguments.The team defeated Putney and were also judged winners of the evening in the face of tough opposition from Kings Wimbledon, Orleans Park, and Wallington Grammar.

Rosalie is also an active member  of Harrodian's MUN team, in this case, alongside Sophia and Lakshmie, below. Recently the three of them were elected as co-chairs for the upcoming London School of Economics (LSE) Model United Nations conference in March. They each had to apply in writing for the position, then attend interviews and are now undergoing online and in person training to equip them for the role - no small feat considering MUN is such a prestigious co-curricular activity with a high level of competition. They are all enjoying the prospect of developing new skills. Sophia views it as an opportunity to explore MUN from a different perspective, while Lakshmie is excited to gain experience that  differs from acting  as a delegate, and provides the chance to see how a conference is put together.

Speaking about their new roles Rosalie says, 'In the backroom of the crisis committee, Sophia and I will get to help shape the narrative of a fictional UN crisis. Last year, it was a hypothetical second Falklands War and ended in multiple assassinations and a military coup, so we can't wait to see what it will be this time!' Lakshmie, who will be co-chair on the UN Human Rights Committee, is looking forward to encouraging new delegates, who might not be feeling confident, to participate and share their ideas. 

Meanwhile Lucy and Thomas agree that they have learnt by experience on the debating competition circuit too. 'Preparation is the key - the more prepared you are the less stress there is and then speaking almost becomes automatic,' says Thomas.  

Mr Sam Wardell, who runs debating and assists with MUN club too, is clearly pleased with Harrodian's growing competitiveness in both areas. 'Year on year our teams just get better and better. This is definitely one of the strongest debating teams I've worked with since running the club and to have reached the regional finals is such a well-deserved accomplishment.'

So how can younger pupils ensure that Harrodian fulfils its new promise in this field? 'Getting involved in the public speaking competition is really good training,' says Sophia. And the others agree that learning to develop their public speaking skills as young as aged 8 or 11 (depending on when they joined Harrodian) has given them a real advantage. Harrodian’s Public Speaking Competition is an annual event run by the English department that takes place in the 8s/Year 4 right up to and including the 13s/Year 9 and in two weeks’ time pupils will be taking part in the competition finals. 'I actually think it was more terrifying taking part in the school Public Speaking Competition and speaking in front of my peers and friends, than taking part in MUN debates,' says Lakshmie, who in the same breath, admits to having once been a nervous public speaker.

They also recommend giving the clubs a go and encourage pupils from the 13s (Year 9) upwards to come along. For those who are hesitant or undecided, Sophia says, 'Go for it! Even if you think debating or talking isn't your thing, you can get involved with resolution writing, preparation or research and find a part of it that plays to your strengths.' Lucy chimes in with a piece of advice, 'Sometimes you just need to try something new, push yourself out of your comfort zone, and you might find you have a genuine interest or love for it.'

Reflecting on their experiences, the group agrees that the skills acquired through public speaking competitions, MUN and debating will undoubtedly benefit them greatly in their future lives, not only with UCAS applications but also their careers. 'It's so helpful for job interviews and assessment centres because it has given us the confidence and skills to express our opinions articulately,' says Lucy. 'I would like to study law and be a lawyer,' chips in Lakshmie, 'so the skills I have learnt through MUN Club are invaluable.”

Everyone at Harrodian, including Mr Wardell (Debating) and Mrs Arnold (MUN), congratulates Rosalie, Thomas, Lucy, Sophia, and Lakshmie on their achievements and wishes them continued success in their future endeavours.

Information about Senior Debating and MUN clubs:

• Spring Term 2024 Debating Club (13s/Year 9 to Upper Sixth): Thursday 1.20pm – 2.10pm
• Spring Term 2024 MUN Club (13s/Year 9 to Upper Sixth): Friday 1.00 – 1.30pm

For any further queries relating to Senior clubs please speak to Catti in the Senior admin office.