Debate: To agree or disagree? (From Watford Observer)

Debate: To agree or disagree?

10:14am Thursday 3rd December 2009 in Rickmansworth News

Debate: To agree or disagree?

Words by Zohra Hasham, Year 11

Imagine a room filled with strong opinions and open minds concerned about current world issues. Four students battling it out in front of their audience, debating about what is the right action or belief we should have on the issue at hand. This is what students at Rickmansworth School have the opportunity to participate in every Wednesday in the library during their lunch break.

One enthusiastic student of The Debating Society said: “This method of formal arguments has taught me how to get my point across. It reminds me of courtrooms and lawyers, and of skills I aim to develop to help me in my personal and working life. I am thankful to Mr Callanan for organising the club.”

So far this year, The Debating Society has contemplated three issues upon which there were clear conclusions. The first issue debated was “This house believes that our increasing loss of privacy is worthwhile”.

The arguments touched on issues including the use of CCTV, ID cards and DNA storing. This debate was a heated one. Nonetheless, the result was a landslide for the motion being approved.

The second debate was a fascinating one, with those who only eat fish arguing whether they should be classed as vegetarians. It was decided by the majority that, if you’re a vegetarian, you do not eat meat or fish.

The outcome of the last lively debate was that it was deemed not necessary to practice a religion to hold a morally correct point of view, showing that the students at Rickmansworth School continue to develop strong opinions and are prepared to present impressive arguments to uphold them.