27/10/2026
🎤 The Art of Disagreeing Well!
Just before half term, the Beale Centre came alive with lively discussion, impressive public speaking and some fantastic arguments at our Senior Inter-House Debating Competition!
From first-time debaters to seasoned speakers, every pupil demonstrated courage, confidence and the ability to think on their feet. Debating is about so much more than winning an argument – it develops critical thinking, communication skills and, perhaps most importantly, the art of disagreeing respectfully. 👏
The evening culminated in a thrilling final between North Close and Westlake, with standing room only in Beale!
🏆 Overall Winners: Illy, Owain and Dom (Westlake), successfully opposing the motion that wealthy nations should be legally required to fund healthcare in developing countries.
🌟 Best Speaker: Theo (OH), for his brilliant opposition to the motion that AI will ultimately do more harm than good to the music and creative industries.
👏 Highly Commended: Manaar (P), Louise (GH), Noah (OH) and Owain (W), recognised for their outstanding articulation and audience engagement.
A huge thank you to our judges, Katharine Sendell, Nigel Coppin and Andrew Berrow, and congratulations to everyone who took part!
Next up in November: Junior Inter-House Debating! 🎤
We can't wait to see the next generation of Blundell's debaters take to the floor!
