Beechwood Park crowned national debating champions
A team of pupils from Beechwood Park School have been crowned National Champions in the annual Rotary Club's Youth Speaks competition.
The competition – organised by Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland – aims to support and encourage the development of effective communication skills in children aged 11 to 17.
Teams of three prepare and deliver a short debate on a topic of their choice in front of an audience.
The Beechwood Park team of Aidan, Josh and Tommy – with guidance from English teacher Helen Beavis – made it through local, district and regional qualifying rounds before travelling to Lawrence Sheriff School in Rugby to take part in the National Finals on Sunday 23rd April.
Despite strong competition from other schools, the judges were unanimous in their decision that the Beechwood boys should lift the 2023 Intermediate Youth Speaks trophy.
Not only did the team win the overall competition, but Aiden was also named Best Chairperson and Joshua chosen as Best Opposer.
Interim Head Maureen Cussans said: "The whole school is incredibly proud of this phenomenal team performance by Aidan, Tommy and Josh.
"They have worked hard to get to this level, supported the whole time by the indefatigable Mrs Beavis as she has tirelessly coached and nurtured them to this outstanding success.
"Taking part in competitions such as Youth Speaks is just one of the many opportunities, both within school and beyond, that our Beechwood Top Formers (Year 8 pupils) are able to engage in, and this year, the boys' success will, I have no doubt, act as inspiration to many pupils lower down the School.
"As all three boys move on from Beechwood to take up 13+ academic scholarships at their chosen senior school in September, they go safe in the knowledge that they have more than left their mark on Beechwood with this resounding success."
