Wise words lead to next round for students

THREE smart-talking students from St Benedict’s Catholic High School used their powers of persuasion last Thursday to win the coveted Alcester Schools’ Public Speaking Competition 2016.

With their choice of topic being ‘Crime and punishment and the ineffectiveness of our justice system’, the case made by Mary Claire Mellon, with support from Kate Delaney and Maddie Rendell, was nothing less than arresting.

Up against strong protagonists from neighbouring Alcester Grammar and Alcester Academy, the Year 11 pupils from St Benedict’s analysed a recent news story that exposed the number of criminals who go on to re-offend.

The annual debate was held at AGS on 25th February on behalf of the Rotary Club of Alcester whose members made up the judging panel.

In the chair’s summary speech, David Stanley, who has overseen scores of school debates for more than 15 years, said this year’s contest had produced two of the finest presentations he had ever deliberated over.

The St Benedict’s team are in good shape for the next round to be held at Bablake School in Coventry on Saturday, 12th March.