6 The News The RGS Gazette Issue 12 July 2024 Umair Ashraf (Year 12) presents how the local debating team triumphed in regional championship In an astounding display of eloquence and reasoning, the RGS team (Timothée Dusserre Cordonnier, Nirmit Nihal, Aayan Hussain, Umair Ashraf, Che Bole and Adam Yousuf) won an interschool debating competition on Thursday, 4th July. Against debaters from several schools (including Wycombe High, Dr Challoner’s, Holmer Green and Great Marlow), this team displayed supremacy in argumentation and critical thinking in order to secure victory, gaining applause from appreciative judges and the audience. It was a journey to victory handling a host of complex and fascinating topics: privatising all schools, legalising euthanasia, involvement of transathletes in sports, and whether social media has actually improved communication, RGS took them all home. The team, as proposition, went ahead to proffer a case for the privatisation of all schools by citing possible benefits in educational freedom and quality; change in schools that they insisted would enhance innovation, competition, and resource allocation. In the debate on the legalisation of euthanasia, RGSHW took proposition and handled this sensitive issue with passion. Rooted in the right to autonomy, it emphasised that people should have the option for a dignified death, along with ethical concerns and measures preventing abuse. The team then played for the inclusion of trans athletes in sports, navigating complex fairness, inclusion, and scientific considerations. Their arguments underlined equality, recognising the rights of a trans athlete, and persuaded the judges with a balanced and circumspect attitude in judgments. Finally, on the debate regarding whether social media improved communication, team RGS effectively pointed out the downsides of digital interaction. They had the view that despite social media accommodating instant plugin, it was coupled with misinformation, reduced facetoface communications, and superficial relationships. Their critical view clearly struck a chord with the audience and panel of judges, as it demonstrated their capacity to look at the impact technology has had on society. The team witnessed the fruits of their labour as they beat every opposition, with scores of 5041 and 4842. In a humorous turn of events, both RGS teams won their semifinal match ups against Dr Challoner’s and Holmer Green, which presented the judges with a predicament. An RGS vs RGS final or combine the teams to go up against Holmer Green for 1 final debate. In the collegiate spirit of competition, it was decided that RGS would combine their 2 teams and go up against Holmer Green for one final debate. The motion for the final round, "Veganism is the future of humanity." They argued as the proposition, putting forward a very futuristic case that centred on environmental, ethical, and health benefits from adopting a vegan way of life. They argued that veganism would help solve certain crises climate, animals, and public healthrelated and their argument won over the judges, securing them the victory. Special mention must go to Timothée for winning the individual accolade 'Best Debater' and Nirmit for winning 'Best POI'. Once again a huge congratulations to the RGS team for leaving the competition with the trophy and the added bonus of a clean sweep in all rounds. Debating Triumph for RGS Celebration of receiving the winner's trophy (2024) Preparing for a debate (2024) The trophy (2024) Public Speaking & Debate Society runs every Thursday lunchtime in Room 26. Do come along if you fancy competitively debating for the school too.
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