On Wednesday 2nd March teams of LVI geography and politics students went head-to-head in a heated debate over the a local issue and the effects it would have in the area. The motion was “This house believes that the proposed development of North Selby mine poses a threat to the environment”.
Proposing the motion were politicians Octavia Cobb, Violet Manners and Sarah Good, and opposing were geographers Molly Kinnaird, Chloe Dodson and Louise Crosby. All the speakers had done thorough research and had composed strong and compelling speeches. The audience was entertained and informed with shocking pollution figures, detailed chemical analysis and a variety of highly emotive facts.
The proposition emphasised the potential problems for local residents and wildlife, including congestion of the A19 and the potential loss of endangered species. On the other hand, the opposition focussed on the benefits that the centre would have for research and how it could contribute towards the fight against global warming.
After all six girls had spoken there was a chance for the audience to get involved and ask the speakers questions, which the girls handled well. After tough competition from each side and persuasive arguments from all speakers, the audience voted in favour of the opposition. This was a great evening that was entertaining, informative and thought-provoking.