On 6th and 7th February, Jyoti Wood, Zara Ahmed and Helena Miles (all Yr 12) attended the Great Shakespeare Debate in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Following debating workshops and small lectures given by, among others, Stanley Wells and Paul Edmondson, the team participated in three debates, including the motions “Gertrude was a bad mother” and “Shakespeare was more adept at writing comic scenes than tragic ones.”
In preparation for a debate on performing Shakespeare in modern dress, all 24 teams were invited to see the RSC’s production of Henry VI Part I and were also encouraged to visit Shakespeare’s birthplace.
Having been ranked as the top team after the first three rounds, the North London Collegiate group participated in the grand final, arguing that Shakespeare’s work can only be appreciated within its context. After a heated and passionate debate, the Canons team was announced runners up.
This was North London’s second entry into the competition, and the team were fortunate to have the support and guidance of last year’s equally successful school team: Sophie Klimt, Kate Parker and Yi-Jean Chow.