Success at Rotary Peace Debates

Published by The Leys School on Friday 17th of October 2025

On the evening of Monday 6 October, a three-person team from The Leys emerged victorious in the Rotary Peace Debates held at Impington Village College. Cameron M, Mufaro M, and Jacob L-A, ably assisted by their reserve Jonathan S, delivered an outstanding performance opposing the motion: This House believes that nationalism and individualism are both necessary for a peaceful society.

The Rotary Club Peace Debates is an annual competition organised by Rotary Clubs worldwide. The primary objective of these debates is to promote dialogue, critical thinking, and awareness about peace and conflict resolution among young individuals. The theme of this year’s competition was ‘Peace – one day’ and our local competition was organised by the Rotary Club of Cambridge South.

The Leys were up against teams from Impington Village College, King’s Ely, The Perse, Netherhall, and Bishop Laney (Ely). The principal organiser of the event praised the debaters on their powerful speeches, whilst the judges made reference to the pupils’ confidence.

Dr Himsworth, who accompanied the pupils, commented: “Very many congratulations to all four pupils, who thoroughly deserved their success. Cameron, Mufaro, Jacob and Jonathan exemplified at Impington the virtues of an all-round, Leysian education; the three debaters spoke with both confidence and skill, and all of the pupils were fabulous representatives for the School. They should be immensely proud of their achievements, as I am of them.”