Crossways students through to semi-final of national debating championship
Two Crossways students have made it through to the semi-final of the English Speaking Union’s Schools Mace National Debating Championship. Toks Hussain and Casey Jackson won their place on the Crossways team after submitting speeches for debating trials in November.
They competed at Colfes Independent School, Lee Green, SE12, in December, along with seven other schools from south London. Toks and Casey went head to head with debaters from Blackheath High School, an independent school for girls.
The Crossways team had to argue against the idea of randomly testing school students for illegal drugs. In a dazzling display of public oratory, Toks argued that testing pupils for drugs would not reduce drug use and would waste resources that could be used to educate young people about the dangers of drugs, while Casey argued that random drugs testing of students would be an infringement on individual rights and freedom.
Although the crowd voted against Crossways, the panel of judges from the English Speaking Union concluded that the debating skills of Toks and Casey were the best of all eight schools. Michael O’Hanlon, politics teacher and Gifted and Talented coordinator, who helped the students prepare for the debate, said:
“Crossways students and staff should be really proud of Toks and Casey. It is great that we can compete with and beat students from some of the best - and most expensive – schools around in public speaking and debating.”
The next round will be on the 27th February at St Paul’s School, London, SW13, from 10 a.m. – all support is welcome from staff and students.