The school assembled in the Chapel on Friday 19 May for a closely contested Inter-House Debating Competition.

Two speakers from each of the four competitive houses were tasked with setting out arguments for or against the motion, ‘This House believes that teachers should be paid according to their students’ results’.

There were many powerful points made on both sides of the House, and a lively discussion followed the main speeches. The proposition argued that such a policy would raise educational standards and bring the teaching profession in line with many other sectors, while the opposition warned of the disadvantages to vulnerable or less able students whose teachers might be disincentivised, and examined the merits of education beyond examination results.

The standard of debate was very high, and all participants should be extremely proud of their performances. Congratulations to the overall winners, Hartley.

The finalists (left to right in the above picture) were:

• Waller: Sofia H (Year 12), Saskia G (Year 7)
• Hartley: Rachel F (Year 7), Willow H (Year 12)
• Clapham North: Rachel A (Year 12), Grace B (Year 9)
• Clapham South: Constantina M-K (Year 8); Sophia A (Year 7)