Now Playing Billy Joel Uptown Girl

Kids to take to stage in annual public speaking competition

Comp is run by Rotary Club of Douglas Youth Committee and DESC

Schoolchildren from across the Isle of Man are to take part in an annual public speaking competition this month.

It's organised by the Rotary Club of Douglas Youth Committee in conjunction with the Department of Education.

Teams from five senior schools and eight Junior schools are set to battle it out in the two events, to be held at last year's winning schools - Ballakermeen and Arbory.

The subjects, which cover a variety of topics, are chosen by the entrants.

The Senior School Competition will be held tonight (Monday 4 March) at Ballakermeen High School at 7pm, with the Junior Competition on Monday 18 March at Arbory School at 6pm. 

Mary Jane Falconer, Chair of the Rotary Club of Douglas Youth Committee and Chair of the panel of Judges said: "I am always surprised at the high standard of delivery and the entertainment value of the topics chosen by the competitors who show great courage and determination in their delivery. 

"It isn’t easy standing up in front of an audience at the best of times least alone when you are between the ages of 7 – 14."

She added: "I am extremely grateful to the support given to the competitors by their teachers. I know that everyone who enters this competition will remember this day in years to come. In fact one of the school teachers I spoke to said that she had entered the competition as a young girl many years ago and this inspired her to set up debating group in her school."

Anne Clarke, the current Chair of The Guild, will act as guest Judge on the night, providing 'friendly and positive feedback' to the competitors.

Everyone is welcome to join the audience.

(The below photos were submitted to Manx Radio by David Cretney - 

Winners: St Ninian’s High School

Second: Ballakermeen High School 

Third: King Williams College 

Prizes presented by Charles Fargher President of the Rotary Club of Douglas)

 

More from Isle of Man News