Archbishop Holgate’s School triumphs at York Young Citizen’s Public Speaking Competition

Secondary school pupils from schools across the city battled it out for the top slot, going head-to-head to debate one of four topics:

• Smart phones make present day life much better for children.
• York is a city with a past but no future.
• There is not enough for teenagers to do, we need…
• There should be a statue in York for…

The annual event is organised by a steering group –  led by City of York Council – who convened York Independent State Schools’ Partnership to support the schools, and York College, who made the trophies.

The venue was kindly provided by the Merchant Adventurers’.

Cllr Bob Webb, the council’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “Public speaking is such an important skill that many of use as adults on a regular basis, but it takes practise and confidence to speak in front of others.

“This annual competition is a great way to ensure that all York pupils have the chance to have their voice heard, and I’m delighted that City of York Council was able to step in to ensure the event could continue to go ahead.

“I’m immensely impressed by the quality of the debates shown by all the young people and have no doubt that we have seen some future barristers, teachers, actors and lecturers honing their skills.

“I’d like to thank the event organisers, and the school staff, parents, carers, and young people who’ve contributed to making this event such a success.”

In the video we have Destiny and Milo from Archbishop Holgate’s School and Elly Fiorentini, journalist and radio presenter.

Photo caption: The Rt Hon Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Martin Rowley BEM, presenting Destiny and Milo from Archbishop Holgate’s School with the winning trophy.