Debating Society

Public speaking is a vital skill which all students will need to master in later life. To help our students learn to speak confidently and eloquently, we have an outstanding Debating Society which holds weekly debates on topics chosen by the students.

This year we are aiming to compete in:

• Cambridge Union Debating Competition
• Oxford Union Debating Competition
• Mace English Speaking Union Competition
• Debate Mate Cup

Debate Mate

At KHS we run regular debating sessions led by trained Debate Mate leaders. The purpose of this course is not just to give our students an opportunity to debate, but to also help prepare them for the workplace or study in higher education. To do this the module is specifically designed to improve a wide range of higher-order thinking skills, develop student’s teamwork ability, and to cultivate leadership skills.

Informal Student Led Debates

Out Debating Ambassadors also plan and run weekly debates at KHS. These well-attended debates are open for all to enjoy and contribute. Recent motions for these debates have included:

• This house believes that the monarchy should be financially independent.
• This house believes that the death penalty should be used in the UK.
• This house believes that the voting age should be lowered to 16.

The Competitions

KHS has enjoyed success in debating competitions, both pre- and post-pandemic. Before the pandemic KHS were finalists in both the Cambridge and Oxford Union Debating Competitions. More recently, in 2022, the students competed in the Debate Mate Cup. The talented team, consisting of Year 11, 12 and 13 students, were successful, being crowned champions in this competition.   

What do the students say?

"Doing debating has made me more involved in today's discussions and more able to jump in with my own ideas and thoughts"

"Doing debating at KHS was great for me to get involved with discussions and make friends with other like-minded students"