The Upper School Debate Club took part in the first round of the National English Speaking Union MACE competition with Emma L (UV), Norah (LVI) and Bea T (LVI) representing St Mary’s against six other schools.

Only two teams would be selected to progress to the next round of the competition. They were involved in a debate with Frome College, proposing that 'environmental campaigning should be focused on changing government policy, not individuals’ behaviour'. The girls had carefully prepared their speeches, but were flexible in their delivery, confidently dealing with ‘points of order’ from the opposition and questions from the audience.

Their presentation skills were excellent and they rose admirably to the challenge of delivering their arguments in an eloquent and succinct manner.

It was a close competition, but the St Mary’s team were delighted to be one of the two teams to progress to the next round.

The Tuesday lunchtime club will continue to prepare speakers for the future stages of the competition.

Congratulations to all!

Mr Adrian Stoten, Teacher of History and Politics