Grosvenor In View Magazine 2025

160

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES

So far, my team and I have debated on two major motions. Both times we won and yet there were still moments where you could hear a pin drop from the sheer tension crackling within the room. Debating on issues you feel especially passionate about makes it even better, but probably the best thing about it all is challenging other people’s points. Questioning the opposition until they have no more ammunition — beating them so whole-heartedly it is entirely indisputable? That is the best. So, whether you’re loud and stubborn or quiet with thoughts sharper than a sword, Debating Society has a place for you. Join us—not just to argue, but to stand, speak and spark the kind of change that starts with words and ends in action. Darcie Baguley 10N I joined the Debating Society in 2024, along with some of my friends and I regret not joining sooner. We, as teenagers, all enjoy arguing and Debating Society gives us a platform to do just that! That being said, it’s not as if we spend our Thursday afternoons conjecturing nonsensical issues such as whether or not Big Ben prefers the name “Derrick”. Within Debating Society, we cover both national and global issues that truly matter, thus fostering a greater understanding of the world and developing a sense of accomplishment as you present your well-researched views. So far, my friends and I have completed four debates as a team. The tension in the room is incredibly entertaining, especially if you are stubborn like me and chose the most controversial topics. I have really enjoyed my time in Debating Society and I would, without a doubt, encourage more pupils to join us. If you don’t have any interest in actually debating, even showing up and watching a debate unfold is great fun. As well as this, the more people, the more pressure put on those presenting their ideas, making it highly effective in building confidence your ability to communicate your ideas effectively. Finn Stevenson 10V

Debating society is inclusive for everyone. You can enjoy yourself by watching a debate or taking part in one. We listen to everyone’s opinions and at the end of a debate we usually ask the debaters some questions about the topic. Usually, they’ll answer the questions about the motion and sometimes we will even have a little back and forth! You get to learn so much about different topics. To write a debate you need to research a lot of information about the topic, so if you are taking part in a debate or just simply watching, you get to learn something new! Debating helps so much with your public speaking skills. The first time you do a debate you may be scared, but right after, you will feel so exhilarated. Slowly but surely, you will become a lot more confident doing these debates! Being able to debate is a crucial skill. What I mean by that is you can have a friendly argument without it getting heated and you can develop respect for the views of others. Debating society really helps with being able to hear others’ opinions without getting into an argument. We can disagree well! If you are looking for something new to do next year, I urge you to come to Debating Society, even just for one week to see if it is for you. Whenever you choose to come, you are welcome here. Bella Bennett-Mota 8G Two more accounts, this time, from Year 10 pupils. Joining Debating Society has been one of the best choices I’ve made. There’s something incredibly satisfying about having a platform to argue your points, particularly when everyone else is just as passionate about their own. It’s like a battle of minds—without the actual bruises. What makes Debating Society so appealing is that it’s one of the few places where disagreement isn’t only welcomed, it’s expected. As someone who thoroughly enjoys arguing, it’s the perfect place for me. To be clear, there is most definitely structure, but within those rules, you can challenge ideas robustly, question assumptions cunningly and even flip the room’s opinion—if you’re good enough. Moreover, we don’t waste time on silly hypotheticals. The topics are real: issues that actually matter. We focus on the big issues of today’s society; gender equality, the use of nuclear weapons and more sensitive topics such as abortion. No question is too outlandish and that inclusive view forces you to think, research and articulate your ideas in a way that feels both purposeful and rewarding.

GROSVENOR IN VIEW > 2024/25