The annual Lichfield Schools Speaking Competition saw our school emerge victorious on the topic of whether 16 year olds should have the right to vote.
This prestigious event takes place in The Lichfield Guildhall and before a packed audience the event was hosted by Dave Robertson MP.
The students all had to face up to a tough judging panel made up of Simon Price (form Arthur Price – and event sponsor), Sit Michael Fabricant (former Lichfield & Burntwood MP), Andrew Sims (Rotary Club President), Councillor Sam Schafer (Mayor of Lichfield), and Councillor Kathy Coe, Chair of Burntwood Town Council.
In what was a hugely competitive event, our team of Matt Allen, Joshua Douglas-Boisson and Madeleine Walters scored highest and took the title arguing against 16 year olds obtaining the vote. This achievement was all the more impressive when considering the exceptionally high standard of all of the teams which took part.
There were eight schools involved – Chase Terrace Academy, Erasmus Darwin Academy, The Friary School, John Taylor Free School, John Taylor High School, King Edward VI School, The Lichfield Cathedral School and Nether Stowe School – and coincidentally four argued for the motion and four against.
Helen Barratt, Assistant Headteacher, said: “We hold House Debating Competitions through all Year groups so this event is very much a finishing school for students who have enjoyed debating over several years. The students worked very hard on forming their arguments – going against the argument preference of myself and Mr Allman – and they performed magnificently on the night.”
Matt Allman, Headteacher, added: “It was a pleasure to watch the entire event and I could not have called the result at the end. We are delighted for Matt, Joshua and Madeleine and very grateful to Simon Price, Lichfield St Chad Rotary, and our local MP for again staging this event.”
