THE voices of Yate and Chipping Sodbury students were heard and commended at a public speaking competition.


The 2014/2015 final of the Youth Speaks competition, held by the Chipping Sodbury Rotary Club, took place on Wednesday, January 14.


Six teams of 12-13 year olds, including 19 volunteer students, competed in front of an audience comprising of students, parents, teachers and members from the rotary club.
Awards were given to the top two teams and best individual contributions at the event in the study centre at Brimsham Green School.


Organiser of the Chipping Sodbury Rotary Club, which works closely with local schools and organises various events to promote and encourage the skills of their pupils, John Berridge, said: “The youngsters did themselves proud on the day, presenting interesting, well researched and challenging subjects with a lot of confidence and skill.


“It is testament to the hard work they put in and the way they worked together with their coaches to make the most of their experience as well."


Youth Speaks is a four stage competition designed to support and encourage the development of effective communication skills.


The competing students worked over the autumn term with a team of coaches from the rotary club and teachers to research and develop presentations on subjects of their own choice and then to learn and practice their own public speaking skills.


Headteacher of Brimsham Green School, Kim Garland, said: “Yet again the quality of performances from all participants was really impressive.


“These students have had such a fantastic opportunity to develop their communication skills, which we know employers value really highly.


“Feedback from students is that their confidence has increased, too. I hope that this inspires next year’s cohort to apply for a place. We are fortunate to be so well supported by The Rotary Club.”
The top team award went to Brimsham Green students Laura Tomasin, Zoe Lakeman and Jaia Morris on the subject of obesity.


The second place team award went to Sophie Broad, Emily Wren and Grace Morris, also from the Yate school, on the subject of housing.


Brimsham student Zoe Lakeman also won the best chairperson award and the best speaker award went to Chipping Sodbury School student Emma Barraclough.


Chipping Sodbury student Joshua Lillywhite was awarded best vote of thanks, on the subject of Unilateral Nuclear Disarmament.


The district final of the competition will take place on Saturday February, 7 in Maisemore.


Winners of the final will go to a regional event on March 22.