Grosvenor In View Magazine 2025

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Debating Society

Mrs Lander with Liberty Molloy, Eva Royal, Finlay Moore and Olivia Bryson

Have you ever wondered what it’s like at a debating society? Have you ever wondered why people like debating? We are going to answer these questions and more as we share our experience of Grosvenor’s Debating Society as two Year 8 pupils. I have been going to Debating Society since I started Grosvenor, and I have made so many friends and I have learnt so much since I joined! There are so many reasons why I love debating- far too many to list them all! There are so many opportunities to get involved. Our motions are very diverse so there is something for everyone. Some of them have included - It is time to move to a private healthcare system across the UK; Nuclear bombs are acceptable in some circumstances; and the voting age should be lowered to 16. Don’t worry if none of these sound interesting to you - there are so many other possible motions. And, if you join the Debating Society, you could even suggest some yourself! Another reason I love it is that everyone is very welcoming. The teachers that run it are all really lovely. All of the pupils that attend are also incredibly kind and supportive and we always try to encourage one another. Furthermore, you don’t necessarily have to take part in any debates. You can just watch and listen if you don’t want to speak. Nobody will judge you. Also, you do not have to go every week. You can go occasionally, or when the topic interests you. Whatever you like!

The last thing I’m going to say about why I love debating, although there are many more, is this - you can attend regardless of what year you are in - it does not matter whether you are in Year 8 or Year 14. This may sound daunting at the beginning, which I understand, but everyone is very nice and there are team building games and activities throughout the year which help you develop friendships and get to know everyone. It really is an amazing community to be part of. You may be wondering what it is like to take part in a debate, so I will share my experience. Usually, people will suggest a motion to debate and one of the teachers will organise two teams. A proposition who will argue in favour of the motion e.g. the voting age should be decreased to 16. The proposition would argue for that statement. Then, there is the opposition who argue against the motion. You normally have a week or two to write your speech. There are three people on each team. Your speech has to be three minutes or less. It is usually best to practice reading out your speech at home and time yourself or get someone else to listen to you beforehand to make sure you are not over the time. On the day, you also try to think on your feet and refute the other team’s points. I think that debating is a great experience for everyone and if you decide to come along, you will be made to feel very welcome. We hope to see you there! Erin Cowan 8G

GROSVENOR IN VIEW > 2024/25