The ability to concisely and clearly express complex issues is what debating is all about. After successfully winning the first round of the English Speaking Union Mace competition, our debating team represented St Helen’s in the second round competing against Haberdashers’ Aske’s Girls’ School, Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School, Harrow School and John Lyon School.

There was a frisson in the room as each team rose to the occasion and set out their arguments giving the adjudicators a challenging task. After a series of hotly contested rounds, Abirame, Hannah and Maya had the edge on the night and we are delighted to announce they are through to the regional final taking place in March.  An excellent achievement – congratulations!

We’re reminded of Shivani Ananth (class of 2016), a past Mace debater who went on to become Vice-Chairman of the Oxford Union!

“After getting through the first round of the ESU Mace, we started preparing for the second one. This time we opposed the motion of making vaccinations compulsory. After three tough debates between the two Haberdashers, Harrow School, John Lyon and us, we were chosen to go through to the next round. We were extremely thrilled and surprised as all the schools performed exceptionally well. We look forward to the next round and would like to thank Mr Johnston for his help.”

We wish our victorious team the very best in the regional final next month.