Middle Department Inter-House Debate
School organised an Inter-House Debate Competition for students in the middle department (Grades 5 to 8) on October 8, 2024. This event aimed to introduce students to formal debating, allowing them to explore and develop public speaking skills. The competition attracted an impressive 370 applicants from enthusiastic students, most of whom were first-time participants showing a promising start for future debating talent.
In the initial phase, students were divided into two groups—Grades 5 & 6 and Grades 7 & 8—for preliminary trials. Despite initial nerves, participants showed potential as budding debaters. House-wise auditions were conducted in two phases: Ms. Rehana evaluated Grades 5 & 6 in the Senior Auditorium, while Ms. Taranum and Ms. Rukhsana assessed Grades 7 & 8 in a hall above the medical room. Shortlisted students were subsequently informed of the topics for the final debate.
This year’s motions were thought-provoking: “Social media is doing more harm than good to society” for Grades 5 & 6, and “Individual action is more effective than government policy in combating climate change” for Grades 7 & 8. These themes encouraged students to explore the social implications of technology and the critical issue of climate change, presenting their arguments in three-minute main speeches. Distinguished judges Mr. Nasir Ali Khan and Ms. Nazia Afzal evaluated the performances and announced the winners.
Results:
- Best Speaker:
- Grades 5 & 6: Khadija Bakshi (Oak House)
- Grades 7 & 8: Manveer Singh (Maple House)
- First Position:
- Grades 5 & 6: Khadija Bakshi & Rawah Waseem (Oak House)
- Grades 7 & 8: Manveer Singh & Bahija Bint Fayaz (Maple House)
- Runner-up:
- Grades 5 & 6: Ayza Bakshi & Sania Zehra (Maple House)
- Grades 7 & 8: Arwa Gulzar & Injila Vidid (Deodar House)
This event has set a strong foundation for nurturing skilled debaters at the school, and we eagerly anticipate building on this initiative in the years to come.
