Inaugural House Debate

House Debate 
 "It is good to be famous"

Last week, we held our inaugural House Debate, virtually. One of the House Captains had made the suggestion to hold a House Debate, in his election speech last year, and it is now set to become an annual event with a cup being presented to the winning House.

The debate was chaired by Mrs Martin and attended by Forms 5 & 6, whose roles in the debate were to be active listeners, evaluating the arguments put by both sides. The House-neutral judging panel consisted of Mrs Joiner, Mrs Wade and Mr Whitaker. 

The Cork and Holm House teams each consisted of two speakers, a summariser, an argument builder and a reserve. The Cork team proposed the motion 'This House believes it would be good to be famous', which was opposed by the Holm team.  Within each team the argument builder didn't make a speech but was chosen for their ability to listen to each speaker and make suggestions to strengthen their side's position.  The reserve for each team helped them prepare their initial arguments but didn't sit on the panel for the final debate.  Whilst the teams had been practising for the House Debate over a two week period, they were given less than 24 hours to prepare their speeches for the live debate!

The Cork team presented the benefits of fame, pointing out that, as well as the wealth it can bring, it can be used to inspire and help other people. They used a wide range of examples where famous people have become role-models and helped others. Holm responded by claiming that being famous was not good, due to media intrusion, lack of privacy and homelife, especially for those who don't choose to be famous, and the pressure this can cause on mental health.  After the two main speakers from each side had put their arguments, there was an opportunity for questions or points of interest from the floor, which was grasped by several children who raised excellent points to help the teams.

The judging panel listened carefully to the debate and based their decision on the strength and persuasiveness of the arguments, the teams’ ability to rebut (or counter) the arguments of their opponents and their adherence to the given time limits. In her summing up, Mrs Joiner praised all the participants for their courage and excellent speeches, which impressed the judging panel and certainly gave food for thought.  The judges felt, however, that one team presented slightly stronger arguments and a greater variety of examples.  They unanimously decided to pronounce CORK the first winners of the House Debate.