The Balloon Debate is a St. Mary’s tradition and has been for many years. It invites pupils from across the middle school, senior school and sixth form to take part. Acting as particular characters, role models or icons, the participants battle, bicker, buck and fight to keep their place in the balloon and merit a most coveted spot in the final round. The school has seen a large range of characters from Prince Charming to Jane Eyre and male models of our very own members of staff. All debaters dispute with a superb standard giving the chairwoman and her committee no easy task. This year was no different and with a theme of  ‘Saints and Sinners’ the balloon invited a large span of passengers; characters ranging from The Grand High Witch and the Spice girls to the golden ticket; even the chairwoman herself and her deputy managed to partake!

The debate was a huge success; in particular congratulations should go to Emily for a superb speech as The Golden Ticket, Minna and Co. as the Spice Girls for such a musical performance, Ella and Blue for taking on the roles of Poppy and Tilly, and executing it with worrying accuracy! The McDonalds’ workers also managed to convince many, earning a well deserved place in the final. Clare did a very convincing and well written speech as temptation and earned herself a final spot in the balloon. Kate and Lucy did a far too near the truth presentation of the ‘saint by name, sinner by nature’ St Mary’s girls; their performance was amazing and a special must go especially to Kate who will be taking over as chairwoman of the debating society next year.

There are three rounds, cutting the contents of the balloon in half each time, until the final round which is usually 5-6 people. This final round is the ultimate testament to the girl’s ability to improvise and rebuttal with no preparation. All the finalists battled till the end and entertained us magnificently. First place went to Ella and her convincing performance of Poppy as a saint! Second place went to Kate as her wit and intelligence undermined many arguments thrown her way. There were many prizes and would have been more had it been possible to give out that many as lots more girls performed outstandingly and congratulations should go out to all who debated; you gave the committee a real job.

That was our last debate for the committee presently standing, and we wish good luck to the upcoming committee with all the debates in the coming year and we look forward to enjoying the debate without the organization! Speaking on behalf of the committee we would like to thanks Poppy for all her hard work, commitment and wit that made this year of exceptional debating conceivable! Thanks to the committee and those who donated to the decoration in any way, compliments for the appearance of the hall on the night were so rewarding. Thanks to Mr Daley, head of debating, for all the behind the scenes work he does! And finally thanks to all those who haven’t been named, your input on whatever scale and in whatever way hasn’t gone unnoticed but has been hugely appreciated.