Hampton’s senior Francophiles have been crowned winners of the prestigious 2021 Joutes Oratoires Lycéennes competition.
Lower Sixth Formers Nayaaz Hashim and Patrick Helm displayed superb linguistic and oratorical skills throughout the competition to be named winners of the National French Debating contest. The notoriously challenging competition, which is organised by the Institut Français, involves schools from across the UK competing in a series of rigorous debates on a wide range of topical issues.
Nayaaz and Patrick reached the Gold final against Henrietta Barnett School, with the boys given only 20 minutes to prepare to oppose the motion It is worth more to listen to reason than to passion. In an extremely close debate, the boys argued with eloquence and energy, using convincing arguments to respond to their opponents’ points with precision and flair.
Head of Modern Languages, Mr Fred Chaveneau, congratulated the linguists on their success:
Nayaaz and Patrick were exceptional throughout the competition. They were able to think quickly on their feet, respond spontaneously and their level of accuracy was extraordinary. It is wonderful for our Lower School pupils to see outstanding linguists deservedly being recognised on a national level and we are all so proud of the boys. Bravo!
Find out more about Nayaaz and Patrick’s wonderful achievement:
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