On Wednesday 8^th June, The Royal High School teamed up with the University of Oxford Alumni network to host a fabulous debate about whether or not we should leave the European Union. Speaking for the Vote Leave campaign were Beatrice Baskett and Dean Robson from Clarke Willmott Solicitors in Bristol and on behalf of Remain, were Rosie Sourbut and Dr Christophe Fricker from Bristol University. The event drew an audience of over 80, comprising Oxford University Alumni, parents, teachers, students, RHSB Alumnae and members of the wider public in Bath. We were lucky enough to have ex-BBC journalist, Tony Coll, as our MC for the evening who co-chaired the event alongside Gemma Bedford and Olivia Chick.

The event was a huge success; both Beatrice and Rosie spoke eloquently and persuasively alongside their debating partners. There were no holds barred from some spectators, despite the fact that Beatrice and Rosie are in Year 12; they showed intelligence, skill, and tact as they rebuffed some tough questions on the financial state of the EU, the point of Referenda and the future of the United Kingdom. The Memorial Hall was buzzing with passionate feeling and it was a joy to watch our students represent the school with such poise.

I hope that this will be the first of many such collaborations with Oxford University Alumni Society and I look forward to hosting similar events soon.

Mrs Cunningham