On Saturday 12 March, two Farnborough history students took part in a national debating competition held at King's College in London organised by the Historical Association and the Agincourt 600 Trust. They were required to answer the question: 'Agincourt, Waterloo, the Somme: why do some battles resonate through history?' in a timed four minute speech to their peers, teachers and academics from King's College and representatives of Agincourt 600.

Overall, just under 50 students took part largely from the independent and private sectors. Our students, Dominic Tweed and Jack Fabian, having been ably prepared by Diana Laffin, Subject Tutor for History, were required to deliver their speeches in a set of heats consisting of 10 students, from which 5 would progress to the semi-finals. Although Jack was eliminated in the first round against some stiff competition, Dominic progressed to the semi-finals with his unique perspective on why these battles are still remembered and why they matter.

Dominic's independence of thought earned him a well-deserved place in the grand final as around 50 students were whittled down to 9. After a grilling by the judges, they commented that they were very impressed by Dominic’s speech, but sadly he did not win the final.

Both Dominic and Jack can be proud of their work on the day and are a credit to both the history department and the College.