Helen Pike speaks as the third opposition for the motion in the Debating Chamber on Thursday 23rd January 2025.
We are delighted to announce the first debate of Lent Term: 'This House Would Abolish Private Schools' on Thursday 23rd January 2025 and OPEN TO ALL. Find the application form in the bio to audition for the final proposition speaker. Interviews to commence over the weekend.
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Cambridge Union Society Debate Info:
In The Chair: Sammy McDonald
Taking the Minutes: Leonas Pausch
- The Debate Motion title is always preceded in context by the phrase “This House Would”, “This Would Believes”, or simply “This House”.
- The Debate motion is typically phrased in Proposition of the argument prior to any votes or speeches, regardless of controversial nature.
- Six 10 minute speeches are given, alternating between each Proposition & Opposition speaker of the Debate Motion.
- The Chair governs authority over interjections, time limits, and any discretions/arrangements agreed between speakers and/or CUS.
- There are two ways interjections can be made by audience members; a Point of Information (upon acceptance from the speaker) or a Floor Speech. (Interjections are not to be interpreted as Audience Questions and can be denied or ignored at discretion of the Speaker or Chair)
- Points of Interest cannot be made during the first & last minutes of any speech, they also must be under 30 seconds and maintain relevance.
(As a result it is impractical to provide microphones for Points of Interest and apologise for any issues with audibility)
- Floor speeches are made by audience members at intervals during the Debate discussing support for Proposition, Opposition or Abstention.
(The Union rarely publishes Floor Speeches due to Release Form arrangements within membership contracts)
- At the end of the Debate, all Speakers and audience members cast their vote as they leave the Debating Chamber through doors labelled “AYES” & “NOES”, with the central door exit representing Abstentions.
- The Chair calls an announcement shortly after the Debate to confirm the votes.
Full Debate:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYpyB-7KwFc4RakGL4JhrhRQDXYi9MHmo
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Thumbnail Photographer: Nordin Catic
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HELEN PIKE
Helen Pike is Master of Magdalen College School, Oxford. She is the ISC representative on UCAS Council, sits on the Sutton Trust Advisory Board, and is a member of the CASE Global Board. She enjoyed a variety of teaching, pastoral and academic roles in leading independent schools before becoming Headmistress of South Hampstead High School. She is a writer, academic editor, school Governor and trustee of a newly-founded school in Uganda.
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