There was plenty to talk about at an inter-schools debating contest for West Norfolk Academy Trust students.

Marshland High School hosted the event and teams from Springwood and St Clement’s High Schools all recently competed for the coveted winners’ trophy. There had been a number of internal rounds before the final teams were chosen for the event.

Each group had three members, a proposer, opposer and chair and the winners on the night were from Springwood High School whose team chose the topic ‘is TikTok responsible for poor mental health amongst teenagers?’

“We are incredibly impressed and proud of the commitment the students have shown in researching their topics and preparing their speeches using their own time. They showed great confidence in speaking so eloquently in front of their peers and judges, well done!” said Judy Webb, KS3 Coordinator at Marshland High School, West Walton.

“The idea is to celebrate the power of ideas and the art of persuasive communication. We want students to develop their ability to express oneself fluently, confidently and to be able to articulate a clear argument, challenge ideas respectfully and think critically.”

The judging team was Neil Mendham, executive Headteacher of Gaywood Primary and Tony Yates, a trustee from the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

Trophies were presented to the winning team and certificates were given to everyone who took part in the event.

All the teams, along with one from Smithdon High School,  will be taking part in the annual Rotary Youth Speaks Competition which is being organised by the King’s Lynn Trinity Rotary Club.