Undebatable Success for Pipers

The second round of the National English-Speaking Union (ESU) Mace competition saw Pipers students’, Maddy L, Zoe P and Martha F, debate their way to success on Monday evening. This victory secured the only place for the London Area Finals, after beating off local grammar schools in round 1 and the Sixth Form teams of Wycombe Abbey, Berkhamsted School and Sir William Borlase Grammar school during their most recent win.

Success on a local and regional scale is incredibly hard to come by, previous winners have included; Wellington College, Eton, St Pauls and Dulwich College and this is the second time that Pipers has been represented at the ESU Mace London Area Finals – one of the oldest and largest School debating competitions in England, involving around 300 schools each year. Over several weeks, and numerous heats of topical passionate dialogue, the trio triumphed in proposing Proportional Representation, all in the beautiful surroundings of Wycombe Abbey’s Fisher Library.  

Mr Gifford, Head of English at Pipers said: “It was a fantastic evening of fierce debate in which all competitors were robustly challenged in their ability to think on their feet and to demonstrate considerable understanding of complex and intellectual current issues - whilst of course at the same time charming and persuading their audience of their argument.  To see a Pipers team consisting of students across the top three year groups working together to refute not only so firmly the arguments of their opposition, but to challenge from the floor throughout the evening was a delight to see.”

Beyond this much celebrated success, taking part in the ESU debating competition is an opportunity to hone the skill of conveying intelligent opinions, how to improve arguments and expression, whilst also offering valuable experience in taking to the floor to speak in front of an audience.

It was very clear that the Pipers students thrived and were undaunted by meeting such strong opposition from teams who had already won through previous rounds, and they fully deserved their success.  We look forward to sharing how Maddy, Zoe and Martha do in the London Area Finals on 27 March 2023, at the ESU’s headquarters in Mayfair, London.