News
Danes versus Saxons
This House believes that David Bowie made a more significant contribution to the music industry than Freddie Mercury.
The Daring Danes went head-to-head against the Saxons in this much-anticipated House Debate. The Danes’ Team – comprising of Skyler and Rishan in Year 8, Elena in Year 7, and Matthew and Rafa in Year 6 exercised their persuasive prowess to collectively articulate a variety of engaging arguments. The Danes expertly convinced their fellow Belmontians (and some teachers…) that David Bowie is more iconic and influential than Freddy Mercury!
I am immensely proud of the team for their meticulous work ethic, their steely determination to win arguments and, above all, their dedication to our House – well done Danes! You were awesome!
Mrs F Berry, Head of Danes
The Saxons team delivered an outstanding performance in the House Debating Competition held in the Chapel. Teah and Imogen from Year 6 and Mikey, Tom, and Maxi from Year 7 displayed confidence, clarity, and conviction in their arguments regarding why Freddie Mercury was more influential in the music industry than David Bowie. The audience hung on to their every word as they highlighted the legendary status of Freddie Mercury in British music history. Whilst we await the competition results, I am proud knowing that the team gave their utmost, effectively portraying Freddie’s immense stage presence and enduring cultural impact.
Mr A Hayward, Head of Saxons
Celts versus Jutes
This House believes that it should be legal for children under the age of 18 to vote in the UK general elections.
The Celts contested a lively and thought-provoking debate on the vote for Under 18’s in which we were in favour of the motion. A passionate and determined performance by first and second speakers Lysander and Josh was supported by Anna, Alexander, Krishan, Savanah and Alyssa.
Some excellent and well-informed points by all members of the team provided stiff competition for the Jutes. I was very proud of them all and impressed by the maturity and enthusiasm shown.
Mr N Bird, Head of Celts
The Jutes argued that under 18s should not be allowed to vote due to their lack of maturity and also the risk of being manipulated and controlled. The speakers representing the Jutes were Jake, Freddie, Aahana, Dexter and Bill. We had a strong argument on why people under the age of 18 should not be able to vote and we believed this because we felt that if children were given the option to vote they would be influenced by adults and they would not know the real meaning of their vote. We argued that they would not understand things like the potholes on London roads because 90 per cent of children can’t drive.
I think that all the people that took part in the debate deserve massive congratulations because we realised how hard it was to get up and produce a debate in front of two big houses. We would also like to say a massive thank you to Ms Atytalla, Ms Bufton and Mr Bird for their support on the day.
Jake Jayson – Year 7, Jutes
Angles versus Vikings
This House believes that children should not have to complete chores in their households.
I am incredibly proud and impressed by the outstanding performance of the Angles who participated in the competition. Their dedication, eloquence, and critical thinking skills were truly remarkable. They demonstrated not only their mastery of the subject matter but also their ability to articulate their arguments persuasively and with confidence.
My thanks go to Elodie, Riley, Yunus, Mae and Emika – your accomplishments are a source of pride for our House.
Mr R Thomas, Head of Angles
Abe, Molly, Laith and Jasmine from Year 6 and Urav, Shiv and Sadie from Year 7 confidently represented the valiant Vikings in a debate against the Angles. The Vikings, who were arguing that children should perform chores in the home, presented some well-prepared arguments and researched their points in an incredibly mature and respectable fashion. They articulated their side incredibly well and confidently with points like ‘Chores develop responsibility in young people and prepare them for their future,’ also ‘Chores can help children develop financial responsibility as they may be rewarded for their efforts.’ I am incredibly proud of the pupils’ performance – they were amazing ambassadors for our House. Who knows, we may have some future lawyers or politicians amongst us…
Miss T Williams, Head of Vikings
