The Debating Society is a popular activity for boys who wish to pit their wits against each other in the cut-and-thrust of Parliamentary Debating. A growing number of boys have been attracted to the society recently, drawn by the challenging yet rewarding nature of debating. The Society has both Junior and Senior sections.

The Junior Debating Society meets on Thursday lunchtimes to debate a variety of motions, which are advertised beforehand. A member of the English Department, plus Sixth Form assistants, is on hand to ensure the debates are conducted fairly and to offer advice and guidance. These are competitive occasions, but highly enjoyable for participants and spectators alike.

The Senior Debating Society enters teams in three prestigious competitions: the Cewc-Cymru Schools’ Debating Championship, the Oxford Union Schools Debating Championship, and the Cambridge Union Schools’ Debating Championship. Select teams of experienced debaters travel from Monmouth to these annual fixtures in order to test themselves against accomplished competitors from many different schools. The early rounds are exciting events which can be the gateway to the national grand finals. In recent years Monmouth School has twice won through to the Oxford Union Finals, held in the world-famous Debating Chamber.

The Debating Society also organises the school’s entry to the Youth Speaks Public Speaking Competition. This is another event in which we have scored some notable successes.