We are so proud of our Sixth Form students, Emily and Sophia, who competed in the regionals of the ‘Joutes Oratoires Lycéennes’ French debating competition at Whitgift School last week. They faced teams including Alleyn’s School, Whitgift, Trinity and Tunbridge Wells Grammar School, debating the topical issues ‘vaccination against coronavirus should be compulsory for all citizens’, ‘we must introduce at least one vegetarian day a week in school canteens’ and ‘we must cancel Cancel Culture’.
The students won all of their debates and progressed to the regional finals, facing off against another of Tunbridge Wells’ teams. Although the set-up was intimidating, we spoke passionately and dominated the ‘lutte acharnée’, leading to victory.
Sophie and Emily said: “Overall, the evening was inspiring, and it was incredible to meet so many French speakers, including the judges who were impressed with our level of fluency and accuracy of language. We will now be progressing to the national finals of the competition, where we will face the winning teams from 6 regions across the country to compete for the National Cup of Le Francophonie”.
We wish them the very best of luck!