Masters of persuasion

Student Reporters Aimee Desai 9.6, Aaradhya Mundada 8.6 and Alyson Newman-Stewart 9.5 witness the Student Debate Team in action 

Here at Claremont, we value different opportunities – that’s why we have our own Senior Debate Team run by Mr West. This group is part of the school’s wider offer of after-school clubs, which involves trips for the SDT to tackle teams from other schools, including those from the private sector. It’s proved so popular, there’s now even a Junior Debate Team for younger pupils. The students in these two groups enjoy and value the skills debating teaches, as well as the experience gained to build their CVs. 

‘The Debate Team was established in 2021 and has since split into Junior and Senior Debate due to demand,’ explains Mr West. ‘We began competing in national competitions in 2023. The main aim of the Debate Club is to reinforce public-speaking skills. In a world where one of the most common phobias is speaking in public, being able to do it confidently and well is like a superpower!’ 

‘Just a few years ago, my fear of public speaking led me to never even imagine the position I am in today,’ admits Nicole Hibberd in Year 12. ‘I am eternally grateful to everyone who encouraged me to join the Senior Debate Team. I realise now how crucial the skills I have learnt are for my confidence and everyday life.’ 

For Rey Wong, also in Year 12, the benefits of SDT are clear: ‘Debate is vital because it teaches skills and knowledge that are needed across life. For some, it’s confidence and public speaking, for others it’s cultural capital and engaging in the world we live in. But for all, it teaches teamwork and empathy as you learn to work with anybody to represent any side of an argument, regardless of your personal values.’  

Mr West is hopeful for the team’s future, based upon past successes: ‘Claremont is starting to become a recognisable name on the North-West London circuit. We’ve debated in the regional heats of the English-Speaking Union's Schools’ Mace and Churchill Public Speaking competitions. Both years we’ve broken through to round two of four.’ 

With their words as their weapon and wisdom as their shield, the Debate Team has once again proved that the power of ideas can shape, challenge and inspire the world. Here's to many more victories - on stage and beyond!