CLUBS & SOCIETIES: Join in the debate

RIPON Grammar School students who enjoyed rising to the challenge of arguing their point of view in recent House competitions are launching a new society dedicated to debating.

Led by Year 9 student Nancy Manners, the new debating society is for Year 9 to Year 11 students, with the first meeting at the end of June.

Nancy explained: “During the third year House debating contest, myself and several other students discovered we had found our passion. Debating is a fun and exciting endeavour, and also teaches so many essential skills, like public speaking, confidence, teamwork, critical thinking and more, all of which will be incredibly helpful for GCSEs, but also in later life.”

She said she was establishing the debating society so everybody can take part: “Whether they are pursuing an established passion, or trying it for the first time, everybody is welcome at debating society. We will start out holding small competitions within school, and next year we will begin holding contests with other schools, and even going to interschool competitions, which could even take us to national championships in the future!

“If any of this sounds like something you want to take part in, or if you would simply like to try something new, please email me at MannerN19@ripongrammar.com or come to the library on Friday, June 24 for our initial meeting.”

Photograph: Nancy, pictured centre front, with the first members of the debating society