Colfe’s talented debaters have won the first round of one of the oldest national debating competitions in the UK- the Schools’ Mace.

Julia Cummings , Year 12, and Marcus  Brockman, Year 10, spoke in opposition to the motion “This  house believes that organ donation should be  made compulsory  without exception”.

Their debate, the first of two during the evening, saw a lively contest with Blackheath High (the other qualifying school from the round) in which the speakers were praised for the depth of their analysis and sophistication of arguments.

Julia said she was nervous at first. “When I start the debate I’m always a little nervous but then as I start doing it and the arguments come together and flow, it’s really exciting and good fun.”

The  Schools’ Mace, which is named after the Mace that the winners receive, has been running since 1957, and is a public speaking competition which discusses often controversial topics and current affairs.

Mr Dunsmore, who runs Colfe’s Debating Society, said “Both Julia and Marcus are outstanding public speakers and this is a great achievement but I believe they have the talent to go much further in the competition.  It’s particularly worth noting that Marcus is still only 15 years old and is already out-arguing sixth-form opponents. Well done to both of them and I have high hopes for the second round which will take before half-term in Dulwich College.”