FROM HIGHLIGHTS TO HE ADLINES SPRING 2023
12 | 13
Tonbridge teams win National Spanish Debating Competition Two Tonbridge debating teams took part in the National Spanish Debating Competition for the first time, in an event which saw 24 teams, from 15 schools, debate a range of motions. The School was represented by four Sixth Form students: Konstantin Mamkhegov (PH5), Henry Collins (FH5), Tobé Onyia (FH5) and Johnnie Averdieck (WW4). The boys worked together to prepare materials ahead of the debate but delivered arguments as two teams. Debates covered a variety of topics, from the monarchy and artificial intelligence to zoos and the economy. Konstantin and Henry emerged as winners, impressing the judges with their use of language, arguments and teamwork. Their prize is a week-long residential trip to Salamanca this summer.
Climate change speech carries James to ‘Inspire Like Churchill’ victory A Tonbridge Lower Sixth student succeeded in invoking the spirit of Britain’s greatest wartime leader in a competition held by the International Churchill Society. James Tam (MH4) was selected as one of three winners of the Inspire Like Churchill competition, which set students from around the world the challenge of recording a stirring speech of determination and hope in response to current global challenges. Entries, consisting of a one-minute video, were judged by a panel which featured Emma Soames, granddaughter of Sir Winston Churchill, and several renowned historians and writers. James chose climate change as his theme. He said: “Sir Winston Churchill was able to unite the country through his speeches, urging everyone to put their differences aside to fight for a common cause. I believe the same kind of unity is necessary if we want to find an effective solution to the climate crisis.” Entrants were encouraged to develop their public speaking and speech-writing skills, as well as to use their knowledge of history when tackling contemporary issues.
