Latest News.....success in the first round of the 2011-12 'Mace'
The Debating Society was successful in the first round of The English Speaking Union's national competition, 'The Mace', held on Thursday 8th December. Our team of two speakers, William Blanchard and Omer Elhassan, proposed the motion:
'This house would introduce mandatory post mortem organ donation without exception'.
The round was judged on the basis of two distinct debates and during the course of the evening we faced stiff competition from our hosts Derby Grammar, Landau Forte School and The Becket School (who also made it through at this stage).
Nottingham High School presented clear and defined arguments; supplementing this was a combination of reflection, subtle rhetoric and irony in rebuttal and challenges. William and Omer particularly impressed the judges with their assurance when handling the extensive subject matter in a thoroughly calm and quietly confident manner. Indeed, both boys spoke fluently for their allotted seven minute opening speeches without any notes or cue cards; this was no mean feat and perhaps a risk, but one that was rewarded, rendering their input instinctive and dynamic, yet still clearly ordered. The judges noted that this strategy would cause the worthiest of opponents to quake in their boots!
Our able supporters from the Debating Society demonstrated their own skills through incisive contributions when the debates were opened up to the floor; moreover, their ideas during the preparatory stages have been invaluable to the key speakers in the competition.
We look forward to gathering more experience in the second round of 'The Mace' in the spring term
The Debating Society aim to meet every week on Tuesdays from 1.00pm until 1.55pm in the SLT.
The Debating Society is one of the oldest of all sixth form societies at Nottingham High School. We invite boys from years 10, 11, 12 and 13 to take up the opportunity to develop their debating and public speaking skills. The termly programme aims at a balance between current affairs, ethical issues and humorous topics. The standard of speaking is high and debates provide a valuable forum for public speaking.
Several well-known figures (Kenneth Clarke included) have developed their persuasive skills in the NHS Debating Society. It is always good to see how a boy who may be very apprehensive about making his maiden speech blossoms into a highly polished public speaker with a little experience and encouragement. The Society is run by a joint committee of staff and students.
New members are always most welcome to join us and contribute, or simply to listen to the debate.
English Speaking Union 'Debating Mace'
In addition to our weekly in-house debates, we are again competing in the English Speaking Union's Debating Mace in the 2011 /12 season. This is Britain's oldest and most prestigious debating competition, with many celebrated journalists, politicians, academics and torch bearers in the business world honing their public speaking craft in this arena - as first round speaker or, indeed, winners.
