Debating
Debating is increasingly popular at St Mary's, and there are opportunities for all year groups to participate. Girls in Years 10 to UVI represent the school in competitions such as the ESU Mace, the Oxford and Cambridge Schools Debating, and the International Competition for Young Debaters, and there is an annual House Debating Competition for girls in Years 7 to 9. Weekly meetings for both senior and junior girls provide an enjoyable arena for everyone to develop their debating skills and get involved in some lively debates. There are regular opportunities to participate in workshops and compete in friendly debates against other schools.
Suggestions for debating topics are always welcome, and a wide variety of motions may be debated, from the serious to the not-so-serious. Examples of recent motions include 'Chocolate is good for your health', 'Exams are getting easier', and 'This house believes that the future is female'.