An interesting debate this week on whether grammar schools should be banned. There were so many points on either side, covering how neurodivergent children would fare under either side of the debate, as well as underprivileged children, as well as the Arts – drama, painting and music: does the focus given to Mathematics and English in the grammar school exams lead to a devaluation of the Arts in our society? What should have decided this debate in the end was the matter of how fair the system is for 10-year-old children, who could be scarred by the experience of the 11 plus. However, the winning team of Sourish Chanda in Year 9 and Sufyaan Farid in Year 12 were on the opposition, making the case that the grammar school system actually empowers all children, especially those from the poorest backgrounds, giving them an aspirational mindset. A great debate full of strong rebuttal of points made.

 

Next week’s debating motion: ‘This house would legalise euthanasia.’