This week has seen both our Junior Public Speaking and Debating Competition finals, as well as our Senior Public Speaking competition. We were delighted to welcome both pupils, parents and staff to watch the competitions, as well as our judging panel of Mr Last, Mr Williams and Mrs Berkeley.
In the Junior Public Speaking Competition 7 speakers from 1st Form took to the floor, talking for approximately 3 minutes on a range of topics including animal welfare, being a twin, what it is like to be part of a military family, and why a four day school week could be better for everyone. After all the speakers had finished the judging panel provided some very useful individual and group feedback. They praised the pupils’ use of rhetorical questions, the way that they engaged with the audience, and provided good signposting and structure within their speeches. There was a particular mention made of the fact that some of the speakers had employed the use of tricolons - three words, phrases or sentences combine to make a single, powerful impression.
Congratulations go to Sam L who was named by the judges as the overall champion.
The Junior Debating Final saw a team of pupils from 2nd Form take on a team from 3rd Form as they debated the motion “This House believes that historic statues should be taken down if they are no longer found to be positive role models.” The proposition (2nd Form) and the opposition (3rd Form) put forward some well thought out arguments both for and against the motion. Following the conclusion of the debate the judges praised both teams for their preparation and the fact that they had clearly researched and had good facts and examples at their fingertips. They were also congratulated on the way that they listed to the opposing team, coming back with rebuttals and responses, as well as responding to questions from the floor.
Congratulations to the Proposition Team of 2nd Formers, Jacob, Myles and Theo, who the judges decided had just edged above the 3rd Form Team as the strongest debating team on the night.
The Senior Public Speaking saw 4 groups of our 4th, 5th and Sixth Form pupils take on the challenge of speaking about an individual theme: Risk Taking Behaviour, Fake it Until You Make It, Nature vs Nurture and Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone. For each of the speeches there was a Chairperson, a Main Speaker and a Proposer of the Vote of Thanks. The task of the judges was to decide which of the pupils carried out their role most effectively.
After much deliberation the judges decided that the following pupils were the best in the roles on the night:
- Chairperson - Amy
- Main Speaker - Tomi
- Proposer of the Vote of Thanks - Bryan and Ethan
- Collective Group - Vince, Tomi and Bryan
Headmaster, Mr Last commented: "The ability to speak well before others is not just a skill—it’s a gift that allows us to inspire, lead, and create meaningful change. It is so good to see Kingham Hill pupils learning to cultivate this skill. The standard on both evenings was equally high and I commend every single pupil who pushed themselves to be part of these events. I am grateful to Mr Lee, Head of English, for having the vision to create these events and for reinvigorating Public Speaking and Debating here on the Hill."
Both events were extremely enjoyable and we look forward to more lively evenings of debate as we continue through the academic year. Being involved in activities such as this provides our pupils with the opportunity to develop their communication skills and learn how to listen and evaluate other points of view. Public speaking and debating also enhances a whole range of social, emotional and interpersonal skills such as self-confidence, self-awareness, resilience and empathy – skills that will prove invaluable to our pupils in all areas of life.
