Telford academy team's debate success

The three pupils from Abraham Darby Academy in Madeley won the Telford round of the public speaking competition held at Thomas Telford School.

The academy team of Justine Tanomjit (chairman), David Stephens (speaker) and Sean Yapp (vote of thanks) are all in year 11, while their opponents from Thomas Telford and Adams' Grammar in Newport both fielded teams of sixth formers.

The Abraham Darby pupils will now head to the regional final in Market Drayton next Wednesday.

The Telford heat of Youth Speaks is organised by the Rotary Clubs of Ironbridge, Newport, Telford Centre, Wellington and The Wrekin.

Abraham Darby's chosen subject was "Is the pressure of education worth the rewards?" while Adams' debated "Should we search for extra-terrestrial life?" and Thomas Telford School spoke on "Trolls but not as you knew them".

With just minutes to put their argument across, the teams had to work together to introduce their chosen topic, deliver it in a clear, balanced and entertaining manner and invite the audience to be involved.

Rotarian David Lovatt said: "It was a magnificent achievement, beating two huge rivals who both fielded older, more experienced teams."

The judges were looking for confident performers, clearly articulated points of view and the ability to respond to questions.

Chairman of the judges, Jean Escott, former arts and culture manager for Telford & Wrekin Council, congratulated all the competitors on their performance and on their interesting and well researched topics before giving the result of the competition to the teams and audience.

The team, supported by their tutor Michael Duffield, received a trophy, certificates and gift vouchers.