Students impress with language skills at annual debate competition
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News - Feb 3
Two Colyton Grammar School linguists Freddie M and Joanna M attended the annual debating competition ‘les joutes oratoires lycéennes ’ organised by Institut Français at Marlborough College in Wiltshire.
They debated against other teams from the West of England. The titles of the three motions were:
A. We should put an end to the Miss France competition (Il faut en finir avec le concours Miss France.)
B. Corridas should definitely be prohibited in France (Les corridas doivent être définitivement prohibées en France.)
C. Clearing one’s reputation by hosting the Olympic Games or building a large sports club, it works ( Blanchir sa réputation en s’offrant les JO ou un grand club sportif, ça marche.)
This competition really encourages young linguists to engage deeply with real issues.
Joanna and Freddie performed so well in these three motions that they were through to the semi-final. To contend for a place in the National Final in London, they had to debate on the motion: Artificial Intelligence threatens humanity ( l’intelligence artificielle menace l’humanité)
The judge Tom Kiggell from the MFL Department of Marlborough College praised Joanna and Freddie for their debating prowess, their detailed research, fine grasp of the subjects and their great language skills.
After a lively final debate, they lost by just one point. However, they really enjoyed the thrill and the experience, and they will sign up for the next JOUTES in January 2024.
Mrs Armour
For an overview of Colyton Grammar School's french curriculum, visit here
