This week, our sixth form debating society were put through their paces by our guest judge, Mr Ian Pattison, as the group debated the statement 'no prisoner should have the right to vote'.
Ian has served over 22 years in the prison service, initially as a Treatment Manager before becoming the Clinical Lead and Cognitive Behavioural Therapist for a prisoner treatment programme. Ian remarked on how impressed he was with both sides’ preparation and conviction during the debate, mentioning Abby’s passion and style versus Kieron's measured approach.
The debate started with interesting opening statements from both sides then complex and challenging questions from our guest judge. Mr Pattison asked students whether terrorists should have the right to vote and whether they believe that prisoners are innocent until proven guilty and if so, where they stand on the idea that prisoners on remand should be denied the vote. Audience questions followed with Maisie and Holly asking for clarity over some of the points raised by both teams and challenging them further. We would like to give a special mention to Elissa who would not allow teams to leave questions unanswered!
After lengthy thought and feedback from Miss West, Miss Bleasdale and Mr Ian Pattison, the overall winners for this week’s debate were Kieron and Emma who argued against the motion. The points they made and the way in which they did not crumble under pressure really impressed our guest judge.
We look forward to the next debate...