DEBATING
Sevenoaks ensures debating is accessible to all students within and beyond our community – and it can take you as far as the Oxford and Cambridge Unions .
Debating at Sevenoaks is a dynamic and stimulating activity . In such a vibrant school , debating with so many talented individuals is not only a learning opportunity , but also incredibly rewarding . This year I have taken part in competitions , workshops and extension classes which have helped me learn the intricacies of many globally debated political , philosophical and moral concepts .
This year Sevenoaks has sent teams to various debating competitions , such as LSE Schools , Warwick Debating , Imperial Juniors and KCL , as well as public speaking competitions , such as the English Speaking Union Mace . We have also competed in friendly practice competitions with neighbouring schools such as Tonbridge , Walthamstow Hall and Tonbridge Grammar School .
Due to the energy and effort of our coaches , Mr Harbinson , Mr Beck , Miss Power , Mr Kunaratnam and Miss Turquin , we have enjoyed widespread success . Two Lower Sixth teams qualified for the
regional rounds of both the Oxford and Cambridge Union ’ s competitions ( Si Kai Feng , Mominn Nawaz , Prity Laloux , Olivia Pigram , Lora Kateva , Suhani Kotecha and Valerie Yukselen ). Qualifying enabled us to go to the legendary Cambridge and Oxford Unions to debate in person – an exhilarating experience after debating online for three years . At the Cambridge finals Si Kai and Lora came tenth nationally , narrowly missing the semi-finals . Si Kai made the England B team , putting him in the top ten debaters in the country .
Outside of competitions , Sevenoaks ensures debating is accessible to all students within and beyond our community . The club is open to all year groups ; there is Lower School , Middle School and Sixth Form debating , allowing students to progress and become more skilled . We have also run workshops for primary schools and held tournaments .
Debating has been transformative for me . Engaging in debates has not only sharpened my critical thinking and public speaking skills , but it has also taught me the power of persuasion and effective communication . I am grateful to have had the opportunity to continue debating throughout my time at Sevenoaks , and I urge you all to join .
Lora Kateva , Lower Sixth
114 TRIPS , CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES