On 13 November, two teams from Cobham Hall travelled to Dartford Grammar School to compete in a regional round of the Cambridge University Schools Debating Competition.

The teams of Holly McNally (pictured) and Kamiji Ebun Cole and Tomi Fadoju and Ellie Creel completed against one team from Brentwood, two teams from Newstead Wood and three teams from Dartford Grammar schools.

The motion for the first debate was 'This House would establish a United Nations standing army'.  For our teams, this was their first experience of 4-1-side debating but, despite a few initial nerves, both teams put on wonderful performances. 

The second motion - 'This House would introduce random drug testing in schools' - was announced ony 15 minutes before the start.  Preparation was hectic and intense.  Again, our teams did a splendid job and brought great credit to Cobham Hall.

Newstead Wood, who won the finals of last year's competition, were declared the winners.  However, the Cambridge students who ran the competition offered praise, encouragement and advice to our teams and we are looking forward to winning next year!

Congratulations to the teams.

Dr J Payne