The History Department is delighted to award an Optimum Award to Alex (Lower Sixth, Queen Anne) for his outstanding speech prepared for the Historical Association Great Debate. Going well beyond the taught curriculum, Alex explored the importance of personal and public records in understanding the history of Witney, demonstrating both depth of research and thoughtful analysis.
Cokethorpe’s Debating team – Eylül (Fifth Form, Swift), Evie (Lower Sixth, Swift) and Adam (Upper Sixth, Gascoigne) – competed in the second round of the English-Speaking Union Debating Competition, delivering a confident and well-argued case opposing the motion, ‘This House Would hold tech companies legally responsible for the mental health impact of their platforms.’ Despite a strong performance, the team faced formidable opposition, including two-time national champions Radley, and were narrowly unable to progress to the next round.
Cokethorpe also hosted the second round of the English-Speaking Union Churchill Public Speaking Competition. Our team comprised Eylül, Daisy (Fourth Form, Gascoigne) and Lottie (Fourth Form, Gascoigne). They took part in an evening of exceptionally high-calibre public speaking, competing against independent schools from across Oxfordshire and Berkshire. With progression decided by the narrowest of margins, Cokethorpe were unfortunately unable to advance to the regional finals this year.
Overall, it is fantastic to see debating and public speaking thriving at Cokethorpe, with pupils continuing to demonstrate confidence, intellectual curiosity and articulate expression.
