On Monday evening, four of our Lower Sixth French students took part in the regional Joutes Oratoires French debating competition, reaching the final round for the third year in a row.
The competition was hosted by our neighbours at Whitgift School and brought together eight teams from across the region. Trinity was represented by two teams, with Ines and Caitlin working together, and Rishi and Tom forming the second team.
Over the course of the evening, each team debated three motions entirely in French. Topics included the use of algorithmic video surveillance in public spaces, whether the Académie française should be abolished, and whether France should introduce compulsory voting to increase democratic participation. The debates moved at pace and the standard throughout was high.
All four students spoke confidently and responded well to questioning from judges and opposing teams. Rishi and Tom progressed to the final, where they debated Wellington College on the motion Les réseaux sociaux devraient être interdits pour les adolescents (Social networks should be banned for teenagers). The final was closely contested, and although they narrowly missed out on the title, their performance was impressive.
Although it was demanding, the students enjoyed the experience, and it will stand them in excellent stead as they progress in their French A Level studies. They should be proud of how they represented Trinity in a demanding competition – well done to all!
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