On Saturday 13th June, two excellent teams from the Senior School debated in a virtual GDST competition for students in Years 7-9. Beginning at 11am, the day ran smoothly until the early evening. A Microsoft Team was set up with various channels, the draw and motion were announced, and the judges and competitors made their way to their allotted ‘rooms’ virtually. The debaters were then given 15 minutes to prepare their cases. Five of us from the Co-Ed College made up part of the judging body, the standard of debate was high and the online format did not hinder the process. There were three rounds, after which the speaker points for each team were entered. The two teams from Howell’s, made up of Connie C and Nayana K, and Amy D and Sophie S, were placed 8th and 12th out of 39 teams respectively. The day provided our teams and judges with the valuable experience of competing nationally. Debating at Howell’s is growing and is heading in the right direction, we have a lot to look forward to in the future.