The Regional Final of the Oxford Union debating competition saw our Fourth Year team of Semiloore Bankole and Thushan Peiris compete against teams from across South London, including schools such as Dulwich College and King’s College School, Wimbledon.
“These boys were one of eight teams from a field of around fifty in this region to make it to the Finals Day at the Oxford Union,” says Mr Paterson. “Most students that enter this tournament are Sixth Form students. This is a huge achievement.”
Thushan adds: “I enjoyed the thrill of being able to discuss and debate difficult motions in a pressured environment. I particularly enjoyed critically analysing the other side’s points and delivering a strong counter argument. I found that preparing a speech in 15 minutes without the use of the internet was quite challenging. However, Semiloore and I persevered and we were able to come up with structured arguments that were successful. I am incredibly excited about debating in the Oxford Union and I cannot wait to go to Finals Day.”
We wish Thushan and Semiloore the best of luck for the final on 12 March, in which they compete against teams from around the UK and internationally.
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