21 Nov Roding Valley High School debating duo battle it out at local competition
On Friday 15 November, a student from Year 12 and one from Year 10 at Roding Valley High School, Florence and Zak respectively, put their debating skills to the test at the Epping Forest Schools Parliamentary Debating Competition 2019. The event saw 16 students from across the district battle it out in a debate on the topic of climate change.
During the annual competition, eight participating schools were split into two teams and chosen to speak for, or against, the motion: “This House believes that mass protests about climate change are unnecessary and counterproductive as the danger to the planet has already been recognised”, which Roding Valley High School was chosen to argue against.
Miss Selda Garip, Challenge and Enrichment Co-ordinator at Roding Valley High School, said: “It’s fantastic to see students from across the Epping Forest area come together and discuss important issues affecting the world today. It’s so rewarding to see the enthusiasm of both Zak and Florence in the run up to, and during, the competition itself – they should be very proud.”
In 2019, Roding Valley High School has seen its students soar to success in a number of debating and speaking competitions. Earlier this year, a team of young debaters was crowned national champion at the Up for Debate Competition, a Year 10 student made her way to the Grand Final of Jack Petchey’s Speak out Challenge, and a Year 11 student secured seventh place at European Youth Debating Competition.
Sharon Jenner, Head Teacher at Roding Valley High School, said: “At Roding Valley High School we have a strong commitment to developing confident speakers, so it’s fantastic to see students continue to put themselves forward and take part in such great initiatives. A huge well done to Florence and Zak, this is a great achievement!”
