Oxford Finals and International Success for RGS Debaters
It was an exciting weekend of Debating with the Senior Society in action at Oxford Schools Finals Day last Saturday and the Middles competing on Sunday online in the International Competition for Young Debaters.
Having finished first and third in the Midlands Regional round, RGS Worcester had two teams going to the hugely prestigious Oxford Finals Day. 114 teams gathered from across the globe, with nearly 40 international champion teams flying in from far off countries including Canada, the USA, Shanghai, Kenya, and India.
Debates were challenging with motions on topics ranging from violence in sport, the feminist movement, electoral promises and nuclear power. With only fifteen minutes to prepare five-minute speeches (and no internet allowed), it was very impressive to hear the ideas marshalled so quickly.
Both our teams took part in four debates, each pair winning one of their rounds, a great testament to their Debating skills in such a competitive environment. The Lower Sixth pair of Hannah Agoston and Sasha Penlington finished in 27th place overall, a significant achievement in an international competition. This put them 13th amongst UK teams as well as making them the highest ranked team from the Midlands.
The Middles also had a great day, debating on Zoom across three different motions in their round of the International Competition for Young Debaters (ICYD). Four pairs took part against schools such as Wellington College and Tonbridge School. Although the RGS team did not progress to the final, it was great to see them beginning to show what they will be able to do as they head towards the Senior Society. With Hannah and Sasha acting as coaches for the Middles, they have great role models to inspire them into next year.
Having won the Nottingham Schools Debating competition with the Lower Sixth pair of Isabelle Jones and Joseph Kington earlier this year and with Sasha and Hannah (also in the Lower Sixth) doing so well at Oxford Finals Day, the 2025-26 season is looking very promising indeed.
Mrs Jane Harrison, Head of Debating
