We were very lucky to be able to invite Peter Blair from Haileybury School to run a workshop on debating for a group of children from years 7 & 8 on Tuesday afternoon. A variety of very practical exercises showed how – and how not – to use hands, voices, expression and emotion to influence an audience. Next came a short debate – following the House of Commons model – on whether or not single sex education was better for a child. All speakers showed ability to put their points powerfully – most impressive given that they had to argue against their own beliefs.  Mr Blair, himself an experienced debater, managed to enthuse us all with the joy of arguing for the sake of it and for that we thank him wholeheartedly