One of the prizes that we award annually at our end of year Prize Giving in the Upper School is called the Norway Cup. Not only is it a beautiful trophy but I love the wording that accompanies the cup and which I do my best to explain before making the award. I attach the full testimonial at the bottom of this article and I would recommend that you read it.

It is a prize for Debating at Cargilfield and, as you will see below, it reminds us of a key moment at the beginning of the Second World War when debate played a crucial part in defining the future of the country and perhaps of Europe and the rest of the world.

Would it be too strong a point to suggest that we have found ourselves in a place where debate has seemed equally important over the last twelve months? Certainly, the prep school that Sarah and I ran previously is now celebrating its first Prime Minister from amongst its alumni. And I am enjoying the fact that he has appointed one of my former competitive debating partners to his cabinet. Robert Buckland, the new Justice Secretary also once beat me in a college election by singing ‘My Way’ in a beautiful baritone voice at the hustings. Perhaps, as we may all suspect at the moment, it’s not just the quality of your argument that wins the day?

Debating at Cargilfield is alive and well. All children in the Upper School join our Debating Society when they join Form 6. We meet every other Wednesday afternoon at 5pm throughout the Autumn and Spring terms. Our new Form 6 cohort will have their introduction to Debating on the first afternoon of the new school year and I hope that this year we may also encourage some children from local primary schools to join us in this Society. Those children in Form 6 and above who want some more practice at competitive debating can join the Debating Club that Miss Pett and I run on Monday evenings and we will enter one or two competitions next term (albeit that we find ourselves pitched against senior school children in those competitions). We also host the Scottish Prep Schools Competition in March each year.

The strength of those competitions reflects the tradition for debating in Scotland. Certainly, some of the best university debating teams come from north of the border. This may be down to the tradition of ‘mooting’ as part of Scottish law degrees but I also believe that the best school debaters in Scotland would compete with any team down south.

As the words below suggest, the importance of arguing your case well; of being able to think on your feet and of having the confidence to speak out in front of others is something that form an important part of our education.

On 7 and 8 May 1940 “The Norway Debate” took place in the House of Commons. Its subject: The conduct of the Second World War by the government led by the Prime Minister Mr Neville Chamberlain. What caused the debate was the great failure of the British forces’ campaign to resist Germany’s invasion of Norway. Hence, “The Norway Debate”.

The Norway Debate became a vote of confidence in the government. And the government won the vote, albeit with a reduced majority. But what was said and done in the debate, and the consequences thereof, have become an important part of history. Most notably:

Sir Roger Keyes, MP for Portsmouth, North, attended in the full naval uniform of an Admiral of the Fleet to say: “I came to the House of Commons today in uniform for the first time because I wish to speak for some officers and men of the fighting, sea-going Navy, who are very unhappy”. The impression left on the House by such words from someone so attired was marked.

Mr Leo Amery, MP for Birmingham, Sparkbrook, closed his speech with the following decisive words, directed to the government: “This is what Cromwell said to the Long Parliament when he thought it was no longer fit to conduct the affairs of the nation: ‘You have sat too long here for any good you have been doing. Depart, I say, and let us have done with you. In the name of God, go.’”

Mr David Lloyd George, MP for Carnarvon Boroughs and First World War Prime Minister, was also emphatically direct: “[The Prime Minister] has appealed for sacrifice. The nation is prepared for every sacrifice so long as it has leadership, so long as the Government show clearly what they are aiming at and so long as the nation is confident that those who are leading it are doing their best. I say solemnly that the Prime Minister should give an example of sacrifice, because there is nothing which can contribute more to victory in this war than that he should sacrifice the seals of office.”

These and other speeches against the government so damaged the prime minister’s standing that, notwithstanding the government having won the vote, within two days Mr Chamberlain had resigned as prime minister and Mr Churchill was appointed in his place. The course of the war and of history was thus changed by the debate.

The Norway Debate therefore stands as a notable testament to the principles that: (i) Debates matter; and (ii) Ultimately, it is what individuals say and do in a debate that defines its true winner, and not which side gains more votes at the debate’s end on a particular day.

RT

One of the prizes that we award annually at our end of year Prize Giving in the Upper School is called the Norway Cup. Not only is it a beautiful trophy but I love the wording that accompanies the cup and which I do my best to explain before making the award. I attach the full testimonial at the bottom of this article and I would recommend that you read it.

It is a prize for Debating at Cargilfield and, as you will see below, it reminds us of a key moment at the beginning of the Second World War when debate played a crucial part in defining the future of the country and perhaps of Europe and the rest of the world.

Would it be too strong a point to suggest that we have found ourselves in a place where debate has seemed equally important over the last twelve months? Certainly, the prep school that Sarah and I ran previously is now celebrating its first Prime Minister from amongst its alumni. And I am enjoying the fact that he has appointed one of my former competitive debating partners to his cabinet. Robert Buckland, the new Justice Secretary also once beat me in a college election by singing ‘My Way’ in a beautiful baritone voice at the hustings. Perhaps, as we may all suspect at the moment, it’s not just the quality of your argument that wins the day?

Debating at Cargilfield is alive and well. All children in the Upper School join our Debating Society when they join Form 6. We meet every other Wednesday afternoon at 5pm throughout the Autumn and Spring terms. Our new Form 6 cohort will have their introduction to Debating on the first afternoon of the new school year and I hope that this year we may also encourage some children from local primary schools to join us in this Society. Those children in Form 6 and above who want some more practice at competitive debating can join the Debating Club that Miss Pett and I run on Monday evenings and we will enter one or two competitions next term (albeit that we find ourselves pitched against senior school children in those competitions). We also host the Scottish Prep Schools Competition in March each year.

The strength of those competitions reflects the tradition for debating in Scotland. Certainly, some of the best university debating teams come from north of the border. This may be down to the tradition of ‘mooting’ as part of Scottish law degrees but I also believe that the best school debaters in Scotland would compete with any team down south.

As the words below suggest, the importance of arguing your case well; of being able to think on your feet and of having the confidence to speak out in front of others is something that form an important part of our education.

On 7 and 8 May 1940 “The Norway Debate” took place in the House of Commons. Its subject: The conduct of the Second World War by the government led by the Prime Minister Mr Neville Chamberlain. What caused the debate was the great failure of the British forces’ campaign to resist Germany’s invasion of Norway. Hence, “The Norway Debate”.

The Norway Debate became a vote of confidence in the government. And the government won the vote, albeit with a reduced majority. But what was said and done in the debate, and the consequences thereof, have become an important part of history. Most notably:

Sir Roger Keyes, MP for Portsmouth, North, attended in the full naval uniform of an Admiral of the Fleet to say: “I came to the House of Commons today in uniform for the first time because I wish to speak for some officers and men of the fighting, sea-going Navy, who are very unhappy”. The impression left on the House by such words from someone so attired was marked.

Mr Leo Amery, MP for Birmingham, Sparkbrook, closed his speech with the following decisive words, directed to the government: “This is what Cromwell said to the Long Parliament when he thought it was no longer fit to conduct the affairs of the nation: ‘You have sat too long here for any good you have been doing. Depart, I say, and let us have done with you. In the name of God, go.’”

Mr David Lloyd George, MP for Carnarvon Boroughs and First World War Prime Minister, was also emphatically direct: “[The Prime Minister] has appealed for sacrifice. The nation is prepared for every sacrifice so long as it has leadership, so long as the Government show clearly what they are aiming at and so long as the nation is confident that those who are leading it are doing their best. I say solemnly that the Prime Minister should give an example of sacrifice, because there is nothing which can contribute more to victory in this war than that he should sacrifice the seals of office.”

These and other speeches against the government so damaged the prime minister’s standing that, notwithstanding the government having won the vote, within two days Mr Chamberlain had resigned as prime minister and Mr Churchill was appointed in his place. The course of the war and of history was thus changed by the debate.

The Norway Debate therefore stands as a notable testament to the principles that: (i) Debates matter; and (ii) Ultimately, it is what individuals say and do in a debate that defines its true winner, and not which side gains more votes at the debate’s end on a particular day.

RT

Well batted! Many congratulations to Rory who scored his first century 💯 today playing for GrangeCC Under 11s against North Wales at the regional festival played at  Shrewsbury School. It was a hot day too so fantastic concentration in the heat. 

Well batted! Many congratulations to Rory who scored his first century 💯 today playing for GrangeCC Under 11s against North Wales at the regional festival played at  Shrewsbury School. It was a hot day too so fantastic concentration in the heat. 

Fantastic results from the Scotland U21 Ladies’ hockey team including Jika, old girl of Cargilfield and Rugby School, who scored two goals in the Final of the Euro League 2 and so won promotion and the Gold Medal!

Fantastic results from the Scotland U21 Ladies’ hockey team including Jika, old girl of Cargilfield and Rugby School, who scored two goals in the Final of the Euro League 2 and so won promotion and the Gold Medal!

What a brilliant week we have had! Glorious sunshine, fantastic children and hugely enthusiastic staff who have played a huge part in another very successful Activity Week here at Cargilfield. Thank you all for coming. 300 children have been kept very busy and had a great deal of fun. Same time, same place next July!

Read more here. 

What a brilliant week we have had! Glorious sunshine, fantastic children and hugely enthusiastic staff who have played a huge part in another very successful Activity Week here at Cargilfield. Thank you all for coming. 300 children have been kept very busy and had a great deal of fun. Same time, same place next July!

Read more here. 

Day 4 of the Activity Week done and dusted. More sunshine and lots of fun with busy children heading off in all directions on bikes, in the art room, on the astro with lots of laughter and smiles too.

Read more here.

Day 4 of the Activity Week done and dusted. More sunshine and lots of fun with busy children heading off in all directions on bikes, in the art room, on the astro with lots of laughter and smiles too.

Read more here.

Day 3 of the Activity Week at Cargilfield was action packed once again. 300 children racing around being busy and lots of smiles and laughter too!

Read more here. 

Day 3 of the Activity Week at Cargilfield was action packed once again. 300 children racing around being busy and lots of smiles and laughter too!

Read more here. 

The sun shone again today for Day 2 of the Activity Week here at Cargilfield. It is great to see so many smiling children, enjoying the vast array of different activities on offer!

Read more here. 

The sun shone again today for Day 2 of the Activity Week here at Cargilfield. It is great to see so many smiling children, enjoying the vast array of different activities on offer!

Read more here. 

Lots of fun and lots of sunshine on the first day of this year’s Activity Week at Cargilfield. Everyone had a great time and the visit of the ice cream van at the end of the day was much appreciated!

Read more here.

Lots of fun and lots of sunshine on the first day of this year’s Activity Week at Cargilfield. Everyone had a great time and the visit of the ice cream van at the end of the day was much appreciated!

Read more here.

Once again, we are collaborating with Eagle House School from Berkshire and are performing at The Fringe in August.  This year, we are putting on Lord of the Flies, William Golding's classic tale about a group of Prep School children stranded on a desert island, and it promises to be another fantastic production.  Don;t miss it!

You can see it from 5th to 10th August and tickets are available from https://tickets.edfringe.com/w...

Once again, we are collaborating with Eagle House School from Berkshire and are performing at The Fringe in August.  This year, we are putting on Lord of the Flies, William Golding's classic tale about a group of Prep School children stranded on a desert island, and it promises to be another fantastic production.  Don;t miss it!

You can see it from 5th to 10th August and tickets are available from https://tickets.edfringe.com/w...

Another very successful year at Cargilfield was brought to a close with the Leavers’ Service followed by Prize Giving. 

As always, the support of the parents is hugely appreciated and it was marvellous to see lots of prizes awarded in so many different areas of school life.

To those leaving today, enjoy the next exciting chapter in your lives and we look forward to seeing everyone else back after the summer holidays!

Another very successful year at Cargilfield was brought to a close with the Leavers’ Service followed by Prize Giving. 

As always, the support of the parents is hugely appreciated and it was marvellous to see lots of prizes awarded in so many different areas of school life.

To those leaving today, enjoy the next exciting chapter in your lives and we look forward to seeing everyone else back after the summer holidays!

Well done to Dr Allsop, Director of Music, who is competing In the SkiffieWorlds in Stranraer. It is the world championship for the St Ayles Class of coastal rowing boat #SkiffieWorlds2019

SkiffieWorlds coastal rowing event staged in Stranraer https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-...

Well done to Dr Allsop, Director of Music, who is competing In the SkiffieWorlds in Stranraer. It is the world championship for the St Ayles Class of coastal rowing boat #SkiffieWorlds2019

SkiffieWorlds coastal rowing event staged in Stranraer https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-...

Morning Bus Services - Autumn Term

We would like to inform you of our new morning bus services for next term:

1) Departing from Beaufort Road, Marchmont (the entrance to the Grange Cemetery) at 7.45am and from Polwarth Terrace (by the bowling and tennis club) departing at 7.55am

2) Fife (Inverkeithing Park and Ride) departing at 7.50am

3) Manor Place (West End outside the doctor’s surgery) at 7.40am and Campbell Avenue, Murrayfield (the dead end) departing at 7.50am

4) Stirling Road (by the tennis courts) at 7.45am and from East Fettes Avenue (between Carrington Road and Fettes Entrance) departing at 7.55am

Contact registrar@cargilfield.com for more information and to book a place on any of these buses.

Morning Bus Services - Autumn Term

We would like to inform you of our new morning bus services for next term:

1) Departing from Beaufort Road, Marchmont (the entrance to the Grange Cemetery) at 7.45am and from Polwarth Terrace (by the bowling and tennis club) departing at 7.55am

2) Fife (Inverkeithing Park and Ride) departing at 7.50am

3) Manor Place (West End outside the doctor’s surgery) at 7.40am and Campbell Avenue, Murrayfield (the dead end) departing at 7.50am

4) Stirling Road (by the tennis courts) at 7.45am and from East Fettes Avenue (between Carrington Road and Fettes Entrance) departing at 7.55am

Contact registrar@cargilfield.com for more information and to book a place on any of these buses.

Congratulations to all those who were awarded UK Mathematics Trust certificates and also medals in the Maths Olympiad.  A terrific achievement. 

Congratulations to all those who were awarded UK Mathematics Trust certificates and also medals in the Maths Olympiad.  A terrific achievement. 

Nursery graduation took place on the final day of term! What a fantastic year they have all had and we wish them luck as they move up in to P1! #nursery #cargilfield

Nursery graduation took place on the final day of term! What a fantastic year they have all had and we wish them luck as they move up in to P1! #nursery #cargilfield

The nursery children have raised an amazing £1,217.90 for the Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity from their sponsored pyjama walk around the Gillespie Astro and their 'Splat the Teacher' stall at the school summer fair.  A huge well done to all the staff and children in nursery for a fantastic effort!

The nursery children have raised an amazing £1,217.90 for the Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity from their sponsored pyjama walk around the Gillespie Astro and their 'Splat the Teacher' stall at the school summer fair.  A huge well done to all the staff and children in nursery for a fantastic effort!

Many congratulations to Bruce who have won this term's Divisional competition.  They will receive their rewards at the start of next term when they head off for an outing.

Many congratulations to Bruce who have won this term's Divisional competition.  They will receive their rewards at the start of next term when they head off for an outing.

Many congratulations to James and Katie who have passed their Grade 5 Music Theory exams.  A marvellous achievement indeed!

Many congratulations to James and Katie who have passed their Grade 5 Music Theory exams.  A marvellous achievement indeed!

Well, what another wonderful day up in the Pentland Hills we all enjoyed today! Our annual 20km whole school charity walk around the Pentlands in aid of our three chosen school charities for the year Pilton Youth and Children's Project (PYCP) The Yard and The Spartans Youth Work Team Spartans F.C.

The weather was fantastic and the views from the top of the hills spectacular! Well done to everyone who took part in what is always one of the highlights of the school year.

Read more here.

Well, what another wonderful day up in the Pentland Hills we all enjoyed today! Our annual 20km whole school charity walk around the Pentlands in aid of our three chosen school charities for the year Pilton Youth and Children's Project (PYCP) The Yard and The Spartans Youth Work Team Spartans F.C.

The weather was fantastic and the views from the top of the hills spectacular! Well done to everyone who took part in what is always one of the highlights of the school year.

Read more here.

P1F celebrated their winning finish to their time in P1 today. On Friday, they won the dancing cup, the cloakroom cup and the French cup in the weekly Pre Prep Good Work Assembly! It is only the second time in Pre Prep history, all three cups have been awarded to the same class in the same week. Well done, P1F; you really deserved the celebration!

P1F celebrated their winning finish to their time in P1 today. On Friday, they won the dancing cup, the cloakroom cup and the French cup in the weekly Pre Prep Good Work Assembly! It is only the second time in Pre Prep history, all three cups have been awarded to the same class in the same week. Well done, P1F; you really deserved the celebration!