It was a powerful start to the weekend at St Catz as all of our students were looking forward to their hotly anticipated Great Debate against one of our other Cambridge College’s, St Edmund’s. 

In the morning, the students were treated to a lie in with a chance to get a little more sleep than usual to recuperate from a busy and active week. The extra hour in bed enlivened all of the students and as they ate breakfast together, it was clear that they were preparing for an energetic debate in the afternoon. 

Before the debate began, some of the group took a stroll in the grounds or caught up on some homework. Then it was time to head to the Riley Auditorium to get discursive! The students were debating an incredibly pertinent topic; the drawbacks or successes of standardised testing and whether or not examinations are the way forward in education.

Catz was proposing that exams were still useful whereas St Edmund’s were hotly contesting this statement. All of the students spoke thoughtfully and respectfully throughout the debate and their conduct and behaviour towards one another was incredibly admirable. Considering that for so many of these students, English is not their first language, their level of engagement and confidence in presenting was impressive. Well done to everyone who took part!

As the debate cooled off, so did the weather which provided some relief from the rather hot conditions that have graced us over the last few days. In the evening, everyone had some free time which was used to complete more homework and watch movies. An excellent start to the weekend!