The annual Rotary Youth Speaks competition held at Camborne Science and International Academy recently, saw six teams debate topical events in the hope of progressing to the area final.

“The Youth Speaks events encourage our students to engage with public speaking which is an incredibly valuable skill,” said Mr Blackwell, deputy director of learning for English. “Not only are we supporting the development of effective communication skills, Youth Speaks teaches discipline in discussing complex topics within a limited timeframe. It’s definitely not an easy task, so we’re very proud of our students.”

An audience of parents, students, teachers and Rotarians were treated to six speeches, discussing a range of subjects including Preoccupied by Pollution and Schooling: to pay or not to pay – that is the question.

“Our teams showed an amazing awareness of current affairs, as they engaged with highly emotive and topical issues," added Mr Blackwell. "It was very clear that all six teams had been working hard to polish and perfect their performances. The external judges from the Rotary Club of Redruth listened intently and said that making a final decision was a difficult task.”

After a long deliberation, a seasoned year nine team, made up of Gracie Vage, Lauren Jones and Jessica Dodds; and a passionate year seven team, Holly Webb, Megan Manaton, and Emily Stephens, were successful in securing their place at the area final. Their topics surrounded the current affairs regarding state and public schooling and our modern society’s conceptions of perfection.