"Haberdashers was a great combination of learning and fun that set me up for life."
	Kevin Bakhurst, Controller, BBC News 24.

Teachers Question Time

The second event of its kind in Habs history, Teachers’ Question Time ’09 was greeted with enthusiasm from across the school. Chaired by Ameya Tripathi, a distinguished panel of teachers consisting of Dr St John, Dr Hyde, Mr Lloyd-Williams and Dr Green were questioned on a selection of topics ranging from the state of the economy to the inviting of the BNP leader Nick Griffin to speak on the BBC. In spite of the allure of a nearby charity cake sale there was an impressive turnout for the event, comprising not only boys eager to see their teachers struggle with the topical issues of the day but also members of the girls’ school who had arrived for what turned out to be a spectacular success.

Views expressed by the panel came from right across the political spectrum. Among the more controversial opinions were a desire for the reintroduction of corporal punishment and a belief that foreign aid burdens third world nations with western values of materialism. The dubious ethical grounds for the invasion of Afghanistan and the continued NATO military presence in Iraq were challenged to widespread agreement.

As well as the pre-prepared questions given to the chairman, students were given the opportunity to test their teachers’ political beliefs on the spot as questioning was opened up to the floor. Many of the questions – and most of the answers – proved to be highly witty and amusing as well as erudite and well-informed, and by the end even the most politically apathetic student could not have failed to enjoy the occasion.