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Balloon Debate
2009
A good hour of entertainment was provided for the rest of the school by seven members of Form One, on Friday, when a balloon debate was held in the front hall. The theme for this term’s debate was Britain and as always, there was an interesting mix of characters and speeches. Some relied more heavily on their acting skills, while others banked on their well-crafted and persuasive arguments for survival. A balance of these two approaches usually wins the day and did so again on this occasion.
Results:
Pupil Name
|
Character
|
Vote 1
|
Position
|
Vote 2
|
Net Gain
|
Final Position
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Iona Brooks
|
Emma Watson
|
36 |
3
|
24
|
-12
|
5
|
Antonio de Luna
|
James Bond
|
27 |
5 |
12 |
-15 |
6= |
William Prenter
|
Mary Poppins
|
43 |
1= |
48 |
+5 |
2 |
Henry Roberts
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Winston Churchill
|
26 |
6 |
39 |
+13 |
3 |
Alny Findlay
|
Elizabeth Fry
|
10 |
7 |
12 |
+2 |
6= |
Douglas Donaldson
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William Wallace
|
43 |
1= |
32 |
-11 |
4 |
Alasdair Johnston
|
The Unknown Soldier
|
35 |
4 |
54 |
+19 |
1 |
Note: The final positions are based on the number of votes received in the 2nd round of voting
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Emma Watson (Iona Brooks) was first to speak and surprised some with the strength of her argument for survival. James Bond (Antonio de Luna) aimed for suave and debonair and nearly persuaded us, while Mary Poppins (William Prenter) aimed a little lower. Poppins was certainly entertaining, and made many promises while ‘her’ bulging dress threatened to explode at any point and reveal the truth behind the masquerade.
  
Winston Churchill (Henry Roberts) spoke with authority and Elizabeth Fry (Alny Findlay) was very poised and persuasive. William Wallace (Douglas Donaldson) had obviously spent time being coached by a Scotsman and spent some time bellowing at the audience.
Last up to talk was The Unknown Soldier (Ali Johnston). A dramatic entrance led on to a very deliberate and heartfelt entreaty to save him from a watery grave.
After a few comments and questions from the floor and ripostes by those in the balloon, it all came down to the voting. The results are shown above, but I can say that it was a thoroughly entertaining debate – well done to you all.
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William Townshend, 19/10/2009 |
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