Moser's claim victory in this year's Junior House Debating Competition

The aspiring politicians and public speakers of Moser’s and Severn Hill met in spectacular fashion to undertake the final of the hotly contested Junior House Debating Final. 

Judged by Mr Smiter and Mr Bandy, the topic on the table was a discussion of whether the House regretted ‘celebrity culture’ – questions of influence, idolisation, pressure, media invasion, and even politics were raised, discussed, and posited against one another with aplomb.  

It was noted in summary reflections by the judges that, by this stage in the competition, both teams had repeatedly proved their mettle in a series of preliminaries and knock-outs, and that the final was a true display of the excellent up-and-coming talent of Shrewsbury debaters.  

Fourth Form pupil Violet H, who was on the Moser’s debating team, said: “This year's House Debating final centred around the motion, 'This House regrets celebrity culture.' It was purely theoretical, with the opposition Severn Hill talking about how celebrity culture is a driving force for the TV industry, amongst other economical benefits and how celebrities provide role models for so many inspired youths.  

“Our arguments as the proposition considered both celebrity culture's impact on the public and the celebrities themselves. We made points about the negative cults of personality and the needless division they create. We spoke about the struggles Emma Watson and Taylor Swift have had as a result of invasive paparazzi, hateful comments on body image and feeling they weren't 'glam' enough for the cameras. Finally, we highlighted how celebrities can influence the culture on anything, even without critical knowledge, from creating microtrends and rampant consumerism to telling their followers to drink fairy liquid to cure COVID (Donald Trump).  

“All in all, it was such an interesting debate with quippy rebuttals, stressful time constraints and an enjoyable, competitive atmosphere.” 

After eight excellent speeches, the hosting House, Moser’s, managed to secure the trophy, having successfully argued that ‘celebrity culture’ had overall done more harm than good. Thunderous applause for all speakers was well earned; I thoroughly look forward to seeing these junior teams again as they progress into the senior competition in years to come! 

George Bandy 

Teacher i/c of Debating