Students from Taunton School have reached the national finals of two debating and philosophy competitions.
In a first for the School, two students have made it to the final round of the Oxford Schools’ Debating Competition.
In the same week, ten Philosophy students qualified for the Philosothon National Finals, due to be held at Eton College in May.
Matthew Cook, Deputy Head (Co-curricular) at Taunton School, said: “Debating and Public Speaking continue to thrive at Taunton School, building on their long and successful histories. We are thrilled that our students continue to engage with these hugely rewarding endeavours, developing their critical thinking and communication skills, building their confidence and self-esteem, whilst learning to express themselves clearly and persuasively.”
“Our students have also committed brilliantly to opportunities that explore the pursuit of critical inquiry through dialogue, and I am thrilled that their hard work has paid off in success in the Philosothon. Each student is brilliantly deserving of their chance to represent Taunton School in two highly prized National Finals.”
The qualifying round of the Oxford Schools’ Debating Competition saw students prepare arguments in just 15 minutes before speaking bravely in the face of stalwart competition. They are now busy preparing for the final which will take place at Cherwell College, Oxford University, home to the Oxford University Union, the world’s most prestigious Debating Society.
Year 12 student, Katrina, was awarded the prize of Best Senior Philosopher at the Philosothon Regional Finals, which saw Taunton School students from Year 9 to 13 engage in four rounds of philosophical discussion, impressing judges with their insightful and collaborative approach and going on to win the iconic Philosothon Thinker trophy.
Elsewhere at Taunton School, several students have gone through to the regional finals of the English Speaking Union (ESU) Schools’ Mace Debate and the ESU Public Speaking Competition, set to take place later this month.
Debating and Public Speaking, alongside Philosothon, are all popular co-curricular activities available to students at Taunton School, with the prestigious Burke Debate being a calendar highlight each term, and a variety of school-wide, regional, and national events and competitions to take part in each year.
Taunton School is a founding member of the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships, attending the most recent tournament in Durban, South Africa where a student finished in the top 12 in the world in the Impromptu Speaking Final.
Taunton School’s co-curricular provision was named as a ‘significant strength’ by the Independent Schools Inspectorate in 2024