STUDENTS from across Farnham again locked horns in the ever-popular annual local heats of the Youth Speaks competition at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) on November 22 and 23.

The well-established Youth Speaks competition, again run by Farnham’s two Rotary Clubs, provides opportunities for young people between 11 and 17 to experience speaking on a public platform.

It also enhances students’ ability to work as a member of a team - to formulate ideas on topical subjects, to learn and practise high standards of expression, presentation and appearance, and all within the discipline of presenting in a limited time.

Last year the senior team from Farnborough Hill won the local heats and progressed to the national finals, where they beat all-comers to be crowned national champions.

This year, the competition was open to all schools in the area and a total of seven schools with 14 teams took part in the competition held in the UCA Farnham lecture theatre – six at the intermediate level and eight at the senior level.

All presentations were of a high standard, which meant the judges had a real challenge in making their selections.

At the intermediate level Farnborough Hill won with its team of Lily Suchet, Amelia Finn and Charlotte Dargan speaking on ‘Gender inequality in sport’.

At the senior level Amery Hill won with its team of Bella Adams, Abi Tidball and Anna Herrman speaking on ‘Labels’. Other topics presented included ‘Is charity truly charitable’, ‘Learning from mistakes from the past’ and ‘Learning in schools is directed at girls’.

Weydon School students also returned triumphant, with both Archie McKinlay in year seven and Sam Rawlings in year 10 scooping the Best Speaker Award for their respective age groups.

Weydon’s junior team consisted of speaker Archie McKinlay in year seven, chairperson Oliver Burland in year eight, and Jack Douglas also in year eight who gave the vote of thanks.

The two intermediate teams were from year 10: chair James Cracknell, Jasper Burville - who gave the vote of thanks and speaker Samantha Rawlings. The other team consisted of chair Phillip Kucharski, speaker Izzy Hall and Stazi Towers giving the vote of thanks.

Samantha gave a passionate, emotive and articulate speech on ‘Gun Control’ and Archie entertained the audience with his presentation of how learning in schools is directed at girls.

Weydon teacher Paula Knowles said: “Both our junior and intermediate teams performed admirably and were incredibly articulate.

“Their practice and dedication paid off with two of our speakers achieving the Best Speaker prize. We are very proud of all the students who took part.”

The winning teams will go on to compete in the semi-finals in February, and no-one was in any doubt of the value of the competition, which at the same time gives great pleasure to all involved.

As Paul Fry, president of the Rotary Club of Farnham, said: “Our aim is to encourage young people to be creative, confident and engaged as they make that scary transition to adulthood.”