Public Speaking & Debating

Girls in Years 7 to 13 are able to enjoy the opportunity to develop public speaking skills by competing in national competitions. Our girls have recently achieved success several of these events, which are organised by the English Speaking Union and the Rotary Club International. Public Speaking promotes a variety of skills: composing and delivering an argument in a convincing way, listening to and questioning the arguments of others, and above all, organisation and co-operation to encourage both team and individual achievement.

Each team consists of three members: a Chairperson, a Speaker and a Proposer of the Vote of thanks (Rotary) and Interviewer (ESU).Girls from years 8, 9 and 10 have put their Speech and Drama experience to good use in this activity, but those without this experience have also acquitted themselves honourably.

In September, Laura Dixon from last year's Year 13, started her Gap year at Cate University in California, having won a prestigious English Speaking Union Scholarship.

Laura has been competing in ESU Public Speaking Competitions for several years, frequently taking top awards. She was coached in public speaking by Stephanie Clarkson, Head of History, who commented, "Laura has always been an impressive speaker so it comes as no surprise to me that she has won this Scholarship which will enable her to be an ambassador for the English Speaking Union in the USA".