• Portals
        • Staff
        • Email
        • TBSHS SharePoint Gateway
        • RMUnify
        • Students
        • Email
        • TBSHS SharePoint Gateway
        • Teams
        • Virtual Library Resources
        • Student Microsoft Office Download Guide
        • Bedrock Vocabulary
  • Quick Links
    • Parent Pay
    • TBSHS Gateway
    • Email
    • AccessIT Library
    • ePlatform
    • Virtual Library Resources
    • Fixtures & Teams
The Bishop's Stortford High School
  • Twitter
  • About Us
      • About The School
      • Headteacher Welcome
      • Our Values
      • Our Expectations
      • The Governors
      • Staff List
      • Policies
      • Safeguarding
      • Spacer
      • Ofsted
      • Results Tables
      • UNESCO Associated School
      • Pupil Premium
      • Free School Meals
      • Alumni
      • Obituaries
      • Associations
      • The Mitre Fund
      • PTFA
      • PSA
      • Business Links
  • School Life
      • General Information
      • Uniform and Equipment
      • The Core Habits of Responsible Learners
      • Mobile Devices
      • School Meals
      • The School Day
      • Spacer
      • Homework
      • PSHE/RSE
      • Careers
      • Library
      • House System
      • Attendance / Absence
      • Pastoral Information
      • Pastoral Care
      • Student Council
      • Student Support Services
      • Extra-Curricular
      • Trips & Visits
      • Duke of Edinburgh
      • Extra-Curricular Timetable
  • Learning
    • Curriculum Maps
    • KS3 & 4
    • KS5
    • Options for Year 8
    • Options for Year 9
    • KS3 Assessment
    • Year Group Information
    • Examinations
    • Work Experience
  • Sixth Form
      • General Information
      • Welcome to our Sixth Form
      • Enrichment and Extracurricular
      • Student Societies
      • Starting Sixth Form life at TBSHS
      • Paired Reading, Numeracy & Peer Mentoring Programme
      • 16-19 Bursary Fund
      • Choosing the Right Course
      • Spacer
      • Entrance Requirements
      • Sixth Form Guides
      • Teaching and Learning
      • Sixth Form Uniform Expectations
      • Sixth Form Entry September 2023
      • Sixth Form Options
      • Sixth Form Options
      • Bridging Units
      • Core Mathematics
      • Duke of Edinburgh
      • Extended Project Qualification EPQ
      • Fundamentals of Finance
      • Sports Leadership Level 3 Qualification
      • Life Beyond TBSHS
      • Life Beyond TBSHS
      • Higher Education
      • Employment
      • Gap Year
      • A Really Useful List of Links
  • Join Us
    • Prospectus
    • Vacancies
    • Training & Career Development
    • Admissions Policy
    • Information for Entry September 2023
    • Information for Entry September 2024
    • In-Year Admissions
    • Sixth Form Entry September 2023
    • Admissions Appeals
  • What’s On
      • School Calendar
      • Term Dates
      • News
      • Letters to Parents
      • TBSHS Weekly Newsletter
      • Social Wall
      • Mitre Newsletters
      • Photo Gallery
      • Video Gallery
      • Thought For The Day
  • Sports
  • Contact & Lettings
    • Contact
    • Attendance / Absence
    • How to Find Us
    • Facility Hire
    • Jobbers Wood
    • Email Safe Senders List
  • Staff Portals
    • Email
    • TBSHS SharePoint Gateway
    • RMUnify
  • Student Portals
    • Email
    • TBSHS SharePoint Gateway
    • Virtual Library Resources
    • Student Microsoft Office Download Guide
    • Bedrock Vocabulary
  • Quick Links
    • Parent Pay
    • Email
    • TBSHS Gateway
    • AccessIT Library
    • ePlatform
    • Virtual Library Resources
    • Fixtures & Teams
  • Search
  • Menu Menu

Another International Final for TBSHS Debaters

Two TBSHS Debating Teams take on 54 other teams at Cambridge University Union

Another International Final for TBSHS Debaters

The International Competition for Young Debaters is always the last big event of the schools’ debating season and this year’s Finals Day saw two pairs of Middle School students travel to the Cambridge University Union to take on 54 other teams, around 20 of which came from overseas – Greece, Singapore, India, Kazakhstan, Hungary, Greece and Ireland were all represented in four rounds of fiercely-contested debating.

The first motion of the day, “This House Would ban for-profit universities and colleges”, required some knowledge of Higher Education funding systems, which was difficult for all teams, including ours. J J Sathan (Year 10) & Alec Sneddon (Year 9) were drawn to open against St Paul’s Girls School in their room and had to be content with fourth place. James Frans & Kashan Johar spoke first against the motion in another debate won by SPGS and fared a little better, being placed third ahead of Blackrock College from Dublin.

The second round, however, saw a distinct improvement in TBSHS fortunes. Speaking first in favour of the belief that animal rights groups should prioritise their campaigns on the humane treatment of farmed animals rather than the use of animal-based products, James argued that this would put less financial pressure on the fragile farming industry, as they would still have a ready market for their products while behaving in an ethical manner. Kashan offered some effective rebuttal to the first speaker from Oundle School (who argued that humans had no right to kill animals) by pointing out that, firstly, not all animal products involve death and secondly death is eventually inevitable, so it is better to make sure that animals enjoy a good life.

These arguments gained them a third place in a debate won by a strong team from Scotland. Meanwhile Alec & J J closed the case for the Opposition in their room and were awarded a narrow victory because of their well-structured speeches and J J’s argument that advocating the more extreme measure on animal products would make the better treatment of farm animals more acceptable and likely to happen.

After a break for lunch, both our teams found themselves in the ‘bottom half’ of the debate for “This House Regrets the Culture of Fearing Death”. In a room containing a very forceful team from the British School of Budapest, and opposing the motion James produced a well-structured speech in which he argued that a fear of death helps one to adopt a more rational approach to life and to accept death when it comes. Kashan summarised the case against the motion effectively, focussing on the idea of ‘risk vs reward’ and drawing attention to the importance of his team mate’s points. I felt that they deserved a higher placing than the fourth that they were awarded, a result that J J & Alec, closing for the motion, unfortunately shared.

Things could only get better in the fourth round and once more they did. Opening the case against “This House Would allow prisoners to volunteer for clinical trials in exchange for lighter sentences,”, J J pointed out that criminals are often dishonest and could therefore supply inaccurate information about underlying medical condition and/or the effects of the drugs being trialled. .

Alec supported him well, stressing how desperate prisoners would be to reduce the length of their sentences. The TBSHS pair gained a third place, only one point behind a team from Berkhamsted School. Meanwhile Kashan & James, opening their debate, gained a clear first place, claiming an international victory over the Kazakhstan team, the American International School of Budapest and a team from Ireland. The judge praised them for the clarity of their arguments and well-organised teamwork.In the final results table, James & Kashan finished in 39th place, with Alec & J J not far behind in 43rd.

Team coach, retired teacher Tony Fraser commented, “Over 500 teams from 25 countries entered the qualifying stages of this competition, so to have two teams in the top 50 is no mean achievement for the school. Our students clearly enjoyed the occasion and I am sure that they will have learned a great deal from it. Over a long and demanding day, their spirits never flagged and they were excellent ambassadors for the school. Many thanks and congratulations to Alec, James, J J and Kashan

More News

  • TBSHS Students Oxbridge SuccessMay 24, 2023 - 3:53 pm
  • Good Luck Year 13!May 15, 2023 - 3:03 pm
  • Another International Final for TBSHS DebatersMay 15, 2023 - 2:05 pm
  • Goodbye Year 11!May 15, 2023 - 12:35 pm
  • Thought For The Day – Thursday 11th May 2023 – Thank You Year 11May 11, 2023 - 12:44 pm
  • TBSHS Debaters Compete at Two Finals DaysApril 28, 2023 - 2:33 pm
  • Mitre 10K & 5K Run!April 27, 2023 - 3:12 pm
  • Eggcellent Easter Egg CollectionMarch 31, 2023 - 12:37 pm
  • Two more Finals for TBSHS DebatersMarch 20, 2023 - 11:12 am
  • A Busy Weekend for TBSHS DebatersMarch 17, 2023 - 10:33 am
  • Standon Calling 2023 – Deal for TBSHS FamiliesMarch 10, 2023 - 12:40 pm
  • Music Festival 2023March 9, 2023 - 3:41 pm
  • International Women’s Day at TBSHSMarch 8, 2023 - 2:38 pm
  • The Visit of Hannah Lewis MBE to TBSHS – Tuesday 7th March 2023March 7, 2023 - 12:01 pm
  • National Careers Week 2023, 6th – 11th March 2023 March 3, 2023 - 1:45 pm
  • World Book Day 2023March 2, 2023 - 4:08 pm

Quick Links

  • Parent Pay
  • Parents Evening Booking System
  • AccessIT Library
  • ePlatform
  • Lockdown Library

Latest News

TBSHS Students Oxbridge Success

https://tbshs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Oxbridge-2023.jpg 784 766 Helen Haines https://tbshs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/logo-white.png Helen Haines2023-05-24 15:53:512023-05-25 09:17:12TBSHS Students Oxbridge Success

Good Luck Year 13!

https://tbshs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_3716.-reduced.jpg 1333 2000 Helen Haines https://tbshs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/logo-white.png Helen Haines2023-05-15 15:03:262023-05-15 15:03:26Good Luck Year 13!

Another International Final for TBSHS Debaters

https://tbshs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/thumbnail_Finals-Day-team-photo.jpg 994 1280 Helen Haines https://tbshs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/logo-white.png Helen Haines2023-05-15 14:05:342023-05-16 09:26:53Another International Final for TBSHS Debaters

Goodbye Year 11!

https://tbshs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_3627-reduced.jpg 1333 2000 Helen Haines https://tbshs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/logo-white.png Helen Haines2023-05-15 12:35:512023-05-15 12:35:51Goodbye Year 11!

Thought For The Day – Thursday 11th May 2023 – Thank You Year 11

https://tbshs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/thumbnail_image003-3.jpg 398 398 Helen Haines https://tbshs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/logo-white.png Helen Haines2023-05-11 12:44:202023-05-11 13:21:09Thought For The Day – Thursday 11th May 2023 – Thank You Year 11

Contact Us

The Bishop’s Stortford High School
London Road
Bishop’s Stortford
Hertfordshire
CM23 3LU

Tel: 01279 868686
Fax: 01279 868687
Absence: 01279 869555

Email: office@tbshs.org

© Copyright - The Bishop's Stortford High School | GDPR | Cookies | Proudly built by Lemongrass Media School Web Design
Goodbye Year 11!Good Luck Year 13!
Scroll to top
  • About Us
    • About The School
    • Headteacher Welcome
    • Our Values
    • Our Expectations
    • The Governors
    • Staff List
    • Policies
    • Safeguarding
    • Spacer
    • Ofsted
    • Results Tables
    • UNESCO Associated School
    • Pupil Premium
    • Free School Meals
    • Alumni
    • Obituaries
    • Associations
    • The Mitre Fund
    • PTFA
    • PSA
    • Business Links
    • Back
  • School Life
    • General Information
    • Uniform and Equipment
    • The Core Habits of Responsible Learners
    • Mobile Devices
    • School Meals
    • The School Day
    • Spacer
    • Homework
    • PSHE/RSE
    • Careers
    • Library
    • House System
    • Attendance / Absence
    • Pastoral Information
    • Pastoral Care
    • Student Council
    • Student Support Services
    • Extra-Curricular
    • Trips & Visits
    • Duke of Edinburgh
    • Extra-Curricular Timetable
    • Back
  • Learning
    • Curriculum Maps
    • KS3 & 4
    • KS5
    • Options for Year 8
    • Options for Year 9
    • KS3 Assessment
    • Year Group Information
    • Examinations
    • Work Experience
    • Back
  • Sixth Form
    • General Information
    • Welcome to our Sixth Form
    • Enrichment and Extracurricular
    • Student Societies
    • Starting Sixth Form life at TBSHS
    • Paired Reading, Numeracy & Peer Mentoring Programme
    • 16-19 Bursary Fund
    • Choosing the Right Course
    • Spacer
    • Entrance Requirements
    • Sixth Form Guides
    • Teaching and Learning
    • Sixth Form Uniform Expectations
    • Sixth Form Entry September 2023
    • Sixth Form Options
    • Sixth Form Options
    • Bridging Units
    • Core Mathematics
    • Duke of Edinburgh
    • Extended Project Qualification EPQ
    • Fundamentals of Finance
    • Sports Leadership Level 3 Qualification
    • Life Beyond TBSHS
    • Life Beyond TBSHS
    • Higher Education
    • Employment
    • Gap Year
    • A Really Useful List of Links
    • Back
  • Join Us
    • Prospectus
    • Vacancies
    • Training & Career Development
    • Admissions Policy
    • Information for Entry September 2023
    • Information for Entry September 2024
    • In-Year Admissions
    • Sixth Form Entry September 2023
    • Admissions Appeals
    • Back
  • What’s On
    • School Calendar
    • Term Dates
    • News
    • Letters to Parents
    • TBSHS Weekly Newsletter
    • Social Wall
    • Mitre Newsletters
    • Photo Gallery
    • Video Gallery
    • Thought For The Day
    • Back
  • Sports
  • Contact & Lettings
    • Contact
    • Attendance / Absence
    • How to Find Us
    • Facility Hire
    • Jobbers Wood
    • Email Safe Senders List
    • Back
  • Staff Portals
    • Email
    • TBSHS SharePoint Gateway
    • RMUnify
    • Back
  • Student Portals
    • Email
    • TBSHS SharePoint Gateway
    • Virtual Library Resources
    • Student Microsoft Office Download Guide
    • Bedrock Vocabulary
    • Back
  • Quick Links
    • Parent Pay
    • Email
    • TBSHS Gateway
    • AccessIT Library
    • ePlatform
    • Virtual Library Resources
    • Fixtures & Teams
    • Back