Girls victorious in M.P.’s inaugural debating competition


Girlsgiveuptheirbeds forboxes,andraiseover £3000forCharity


C


onnie O’Conor (Year 12) from Mayfield and Helena Dollimore from Heathfield Community College have been crowned debating team


champions in a competition organised by the Member of Parliament for Wealden District, Charles Hendry M. P.


The duo fought their way to the final via three knock-out rounds, during which they debated against seven other teams made up of students drawn from sixth forms across the Wealden constituency.


The girls tackled the thorny issue of ‘Nuclear Energy versus Renewables’ in the opening round, argued against the motion, ‘The Assassination of a Dictator can never be justified’in the semi-final, and won the final with a barnstorming defence of the motion, ‘Charity begins at home so the overseas aid budget should be cut at times of economic hardship’.


The two students were awarded trophies and an invitation to Parliament to watch Prime Minister’s Questions.


Charles Hendry MP commented: “I was delighted that all the secondary schools in Wealden took part in the Wealden Schools Debating Competition and it was very exciting to see the idea of the debate become a reality with such a wonderful range of contributions from students. All of the students who took part deserve great credit for the amount of work which they put in to preparing their speeches, and they should all feel very proud of how they performed. The feedback has been very positive and I look forward to making this an annual event. Connie and Helena were a superb team who worked well with each other and prepared very insightful debates to challenging topics and I look forward to welcoming them to Parliament for lunch in the near future.”


O


n Friday 16 March ten intrepid Year 12 students braved the elements to spend a long, cold night outside the Concert


Hall, with only sleeping bags and cardboard boxes for warmth. Olateju Ati-John, Antonia Bohane, Lauren Charsley, Olivia Cottrell, Rose Elliot, Lily Loveland, Kate Petty, Anna Stoughton, Mimi Voke andWinnie Yip participated in the sponsored all night camp out to raise awareness of human trafficking, experience homelessness and support organisations campaigning against human trafficking.


Thegirls'braveeffortsraisedanincredibletotalof £3,067.22whichhasbeensenttotheMedailleTrust, acharitythatsupportsvictimsofhumantrafficking.


The event was supervised by the co-ordinator of the group, Sr. Tina Chikezie, SHCJ, who commented, "I am very grateful to all those who gave financial support, to the girls for organising the event, but most importantly to their parents who gave permission for their daughters to participate in such a brave venture. They have raised an amazing amount of money which will really make a difference to victims of human trafficking."


Sr Margaret Gallagher, a Trustee of the Medaille Trust, thanked the girls for their hard work and commented, "We realise that this does not happen without a great deal of effort and generosity and the girls are to be congratulated on their thoughtfulness and kindness in considering others who are not as fortunate and privileged as we are, and then translating that into concrete efforts to really make a difference. Such an amount can really help to make a difference in another person's life."


Gold Award for Anna in Biology Olympiad


C


ongratulations to Anna Sozanska in Year 12 who has won a Gold Award in this year’s Biology Olympiad. Over 4,000 sixth form students from across the UK took part in the competition,


and Anna was one of just 216 who gained sufficient marks to be honoured with the coveted Gold Award.


The medallists convened at a prestigious award ceremony at the Royal Society in London on Thursday 28 June, where they were awarded their prizes by Professor Bruce Hood. Based at Bristol University, Professor Hood is one of the world’s leading brain biologists.


The Biology Olympiad is held each year by The Society of Biology, in conjunction with the International Biology Olympiad. The aim of the Olympiad is to encourage the UK’s young biologists in their studies and interest in the subject.


Head of Biology Dr Shah-Smith commented: “Anna’s achievement is all the more impressive when you consider that she is studying six A-Level subjects, on the cusp of taking Grade 8 in the piano and learning to play the organ! It’s testament to the hard work and commitment she has shown since joining the school.”


3


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8