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    Debate Competition

    Twelve intrepid Year 12 pupils represented St Clement Danes School at the annual Bingham Debate Competition in South Hampstead High School on 11th July.  They competed against schools across London and each of our teams won at least one round out of four challenging '15-minutes notice' debates.  The motions included 'This House regrets the popularity of Mr Beast', 'This House believes academics and experts should not openly debate with conspiracy theorists', 'This House would abolish exams and replace them with coursework' and finally, 'This House believes that superheroes should reveal their identity to their loved ones.'  Our debaters all learned how to define a motion, explain who is most affected and to develop arguments by delineating counterfactuals. They also learned how to frame their points in the context of formal debating practices.  Our pupils used humour and flair to persuade the audience and they were a real credit to the school.  They enjoyed meeting other young people from other teams and in particular, they loved the rooftop view of London at the end of the day from the seventh floor.  

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    20th November

    Future Leaders Elected: Student Ambassador Sees Strong Turnout in Mock General Election

    Pupils went to the polls on Thursday 13th November to elect their new Student Ambassador representatives, completing a campaign period that featured speeches in assemblies and a system designed to replicate a real-life general election. The ballot saw the election of one representative for KS3 and one for KS4/5, providing all pupils who chose to participate with valuable experience in the democratic process, including the requirement to use identification to cast their vote.  The high engagement was noted, with a 49.4% turnout for KS3 and an impressive 59.2% for KS4/5. This electoral practice took on particular significance, given the potential for 16-year-olds (our current Year 8 and above pupils) to vote in the next General Election in 2029 if proposed legislation is passed. The candidates for the KS3 role were Inaya A, Betsy G, Oliver H, Rithvik N, Ishvaa S and Isaac W. Contesting the KS4/5 position were Jasmine C, Arjun D P, Blake S and Charlie W. We extend congratulations to all candidates who participated, with Mrs. Brown, Head of Faculty for Political & Social Sciences, highlighting that it was "tough to stand in front of your peers and present," and emphasised that the candidates were "future leaders" whose participation was essential for a "democratic vote." Following the final count, Betsy G (Year 7) was announced as the new KS3 representative, having secured 160 votes. The KS4/5 seat was won by Arjun D P (Year 11), who tallied 205 votes. Both winners now begin their terms as the voice of their peers on the Student Council.