This week, our pupils brought confidence, eloquence, and critical thinking to the stage, at both the Junior and Senior Public Speaking and Debating Competitions.
On Tuesday, 1st Form pupils opened the event with engaging short speeches on topics including 'A Rule I Would Introduce', 'The World When I Am 90', and 'Someone I Am Grateful To'. Judges, Mr Last, Mr Williams, and Ms Baylis scored each speaker, offering thoughtful feedback on clarity, delivery, and audience engagement. Lydia, who spoke about the importance of prioritising mental wellbeing, was awarded for her outstanding performance.
Following the 1st Form, 2nd and 3rd Form went head-to-head in a lively debate with the proposition arguing 'This house would ban short haul domestic flights where alternative transport exists', against the opposition. Audience questions added energy to the debate, though eventually the winners were announced by the judges as Talia, Theo and Lucas, whose teamwork and persuasive arguments impressed everyone.
The competition continued on Thursday with four teams of three pupils each. Following a structured format of Chairman, Speaker, and Proposer of the Vote of Thanks, judges (Mr Last, Mr Skerratt and Ms Baylis) praised participants for engaging delivery, clear speech, effective pacing, and confident eye contact. The winning team — Sam, Jemima, and Orla — stood out for their teamwork and polished presentations.
“At Kingham Hill, we place great value on helping our pupils grow into confident, articulate young people who can speak and perform with assurance in front of others.” commented Mr Last. “The ability to communicate clearly, to present ideas persuasively, and to perform with poise is not only an essential life skill but also a foundation for success in further study, the workplace, and wider society.
Mr Last continued, “Our Junior Public Speaking and Debating Competition showcased the curiosity, courage and critical thinking of our younger pupils. Standing before their peers to argue a point of view requires far more than knowledge alone; it calls for quick thinking, teamwork, empathy and the ability to listen as well as speak. Similarly, the Senior Public Speaking Competition celebrated pupils who are learning to craft ideas and communicate them with impact. Each speaker should be proud of the progress they have made and of the example they set for their peers.”
"Oracy skills are desired by over 60% of those appointed manager and leadership positions." remarked Head of English, Mr Lee. "Public Speaking and Debating teach skills of communication, organisation and reasoning. Over the last two years, the English Department has promoted these skills from the earliest stages of the School."
The Junior and Senior Public Speaking and Debating Competitions follow the success of the Junior Debate Team, who recently finished runners up in the ISA National Debate Competition, and our Senior Team who have won the first round of the biggest national debate competition, the ESY Schools'.