Early in February, four language students – Lower Sixth students Joel, Luke, Josh, and Upper Sixth Aidan – took part in the South Regional Joute Oratoire. They all performed extremely well, with Josh and Aidan particularly impressing the judges, and securing places in the competition final – congratulations!
The prestigious event, organised by the French Institute in London, brings together Sixth Form students with a passion for practising languages in a creative and challenging way. It enhances students’ capacity for critical thinking as well as improving their knowledge and understanding of the French-speaking world.
During the South Regional event, the students were called on to debate complex and thought-provoking topics entirely in French including:
Throughout the competition, all four students performed exceptionally well, demonstrating significant progress in their debating skills. They presented well-structured arguments, engaged critically with opposing viewpoints, and, most importantly, gained confidence in speaking French in front of an audience.
Josh and Aidan particularly impressed the judges, securing a spot in the national finals to be held at the French Institute in March. They successfully debated a surprise motion in the final round: Il faut rendre l’uniforme obligatoire dans les écoles, collèges et lycées français. (School uniforms should be mandatory in French primary and secondary schools).
It was an incredibly successful evening, and we are eagerly looking forward to the final round of the competition. Félicitations à tous!
With thanks to Miss Bodinier, Teacher of French, for coaching the students and co-ordinating our entry to this competition.
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