Balloon Debate

On 8 November 2018 Catmose College took part in the balloon debate in Oundle. If you are not sure what a balloon debate is, then read on. It is a debate in which several speakers attempt to wow the audience with a 3 minute speech about their character. The characters are all in a hot-air balloon that is losing height because of the overcrowding and to stay in the balloon they need to persuade the audience that their character is worthy to stay and not get thrown overboard. You can either learn it off by heart or you can have the speech in front of you. At the start of the competition you perform your first piece. Once you have performed your piece the judges then decide who is going to make it to the final three. When the judges have decided the final three, they must then perform their second speech for everyone giving more points about their character, and even saying things about other contestants.

The theme was children’s literature. For my character I was given the role of Tinkerbell. I took this part and I wanted to use my drama skills to perform and persuade. After lots of research I wrote my first speech, no problem. There was plenty of information to add humour and drama to get the audience on my side.

When Archie and I arrived we were surprised at how many people were there. I was extremely nervous but had no time to think about that as we were up first. I did my first piece, and so did Archie and all the nerves were gone. I was kind of glad that we went first. Then watching everyone else Archie and I were surprised at how many people were reading their speeches from a piece of paper! As soon as the last person had gone the judges had decided. I was nervous and just wanted them to say the names quickly. Again, all the nerves were gone when they said Tinkerbell. Plus, Archie had made it through too! Big smiles all round!

The final three performed. We all gave it everything we had and put our heart and soul into doing it. I went last. I knew the lines, I just had to focus. I finished, and everyone was clapping, and my friends were whooping and hollering. I felt proud that I had done this, and I had not only said my speech but also interacted with the audience which made people laugh. I sat down feeling like I had done all I could and even if I didn’t win I had made it to the final three. As the judges stood at the front and gave a speech about how amazing they thought we all were and congratulating us on what we had all done. They finally held the trophy and were announcing the winner. My heart was practically coming out of my chest. “Tinkerbell.” I HAD WON! I was over the moon! I was so happy and proud of myself for learning it on time and making it to the top. I then congratulated everyone else because to be honest they had put up a great fight. I won the very first balloon debate…too bad I had to go to gymnastics straight after.

Harrison, Year 8