MARRIAGE, organ donation and children’s rights were some of the issues up for debate at a Portsmouth school.
Year 10 and Year 11 students from Miltoncross school fought it out in their annual debating competition.
In pairs, students took it in turns to speak for and against statements, debated them and took questions from the audience.
Summer Haly and Stanley Jeffery were arguing against marriage being irrelevant and won first prize.
Summer, 15, said: ‘It’s amazing. I didn’t think I would win. This was our second year doing it and it was really good. It’s interesting to see other people’s debates. I was quite nervous but it went well. I would like to think I will get married one day.’
Stanley, 16, added: ‘I’m very pleased. It came as a shock. It can be stressful in the build-up to it but when it comes together on the night it’s very rewarding. I’ve been in the debating club for two years now. I have always found it fun and interesting.’
Second prize went to Ellie Macfarlane and Jemma Loughlin for their argument against organ donation.
Other issues debated included state education versus private education, British politicians and the greenhouse effect.
Chloe Eddy and Louise Ferrett debated against the idea that a woman’s place is in the home and came in third.
Chloe, 15, said: ‘I’m quite surprised but I’m happy. I think it went well. It makes me feel more confident.’
Louise, 15, added: ‘I thought it was good fun.’
Winners walked away with vouchers provided by the school and the University of Chichester and goodie bags were provided to the pair who won each individual debate.
Deputy head at the school, Jo Mckenna-Aspell said: ‘It gives them an opportunity they wouldn’t normally get and that’s public speaking.
‘We like opportunities outside of the classroom and this is a prime example of that.
‘This gives them confidence and the exposure to public speaking. I’m delighted for them. It’s scary for them.
‘But it’s a good platform for our seniors.’
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