On Tuesday 27th November, three enthusiastic students proudly represented STAGS at the preliminary round of the ‘Rotary Youth Speaks’ competition at St Saviours Church in St Albans.

This fantastic event is a four-stage competition designed to support and encourage the development of effective communication skills and aims to offer young people experience in speaking on a public platform as a member of a team.

Our Intermediate team members chose to give a presentation on 'Why refugees should be allowed to enter Western Countries'. The team comprised of Year 9 students Wissall El Amrouchi (chairperson), Sabrina Choudhury (main speaker) and Leah Salhan, who gave a final vote of thanks.

After preparing well, supported by Mrs Sharp, Molly Smith and Lottie Tyers in Year 12, the team delivered their presentation. The judges made the following comments in response: "The team delivered a well thought through and well structured argument, reinforced with a personal touch by telling a story".

Congratulations to the team. Wissal, Sabrina and Leah will now go forward to the next stage of the         competition - The District Finals. We wish the girls the best of luck for this forthcoming event.

If your daughter is interested in taking part in future Public Speaking and Debating competitions, she is invited to attend the 'Public Speaking and Debating Club' which runs on a Thursday lunchtime in Room 40 on a bi-weekly basis (Timetable week 2 only), lead by Mrs Sharp and Year 12 Debating Captains. Attendees at this club have successfully auditioned to read at The Abbey Service and participated in debating competitions with local schools. Attending the club and participating in events such as this help the girls to build up their confidence and to positively enjoy developing the skilful art of public speaking!

Mrs Sharp, Lead Practitioner for Film and Media