On Saturday 8 March WHSB took part in the east of England Regional Round of the Cambridge Schools’ Debating Competition, hosted by the Cambridge Union Society. This prestigious international competition, one of the world's largest schools' debating competitions, is organised annually by the Cambridge Union – the oldest debating society in the world. Every year, thousands of talented debaters across the world compete for the opportunity to travel to Cambridge to participate in Finals Day, and ultimately for the prestigious honour of being named "Cambridge Schools’ Champion". The Competition offers an excellent opportunity for students to develop their public speaking and critical thinking skills.

Competing in teams of two, this year WHSB was represented by Nick (Upper Sixth) and Oliver (Lower Sixth), Joe and Zidan (both Lower Sixth), Noor and Rekiyat (both Lower Sixth), and Aila (Upper Sixth) and Zachary (Lower Sixth). The debates included some very challenging motions, for which the debaters received 15 minutes preparation time, such as “If evidence of a method to gain eternal life were found, this House would destroy it” and “This House, as the UK government, would grant all employees the right to vote on significant company decisions”. The standard of debating was high with some 72 teams taking part.

Congratulations to our debaters, who performed exceptionally well. Nick and Oliver were placed 4th, Joe and Zidan were 17th, Aila and Zachary were 23rd, and Noor and Rekiyat 27th. All teams won at least one of their debates, and Nick was ranked the 9th best Speaker in the Competition. Nick and Oliver now go forward to represent the School in the National Finals in Cambridge in two weeks’ time. These were outstanding achievements by the WHSB teams, and we wish our finalists Nick and Oliver every success.

With thanks to Mr Stevens, Higher Education Coordinator, for preparing the students and facilitating the School's entry to the competition.