house public speaking grand final

After school today we were delighted to host the grand final of the hard fought UGS House Public Speaking Contest.

After months of fierce oratorical contest and debating battle, it was time for the final three teams to face each other down, and all delivered superb, mature, articulate and intelligent performances.

Team 1: Mandatory Sports in schools

First to take the floor were Team 1 L-R: Speaker Grace, Chairperson Gabby, and Questioner Lilly, who debated the pros and cons of mandatory sports in schools.

It was a really impressive and well-delivered presentation that argued for more choice and flexibility in sport in school, for the benefit of the physical and mental well-being of students. Clear consideration and research had been conducted, and Grace fielded questions on the practical and economic feasibility of extending choice with aplomb.

Team 2: Cloning

Next up were Speaker Asfer, Chair Ayah and questioner Mariyah, who analysed the pros and cons of Scientific Cloning. 

The debate was superbly introduced by Ayah, and Asfer spoke with intelligence about a topic that he had clearly researched and analysed in depth; and he was able to astutely respond to questioning from Mariyah and the audience.

Team 3: the case for banning Junk Food

Speaker Anjelica, Chair Laurie and Questioner Adam

In what was clearly a superbly researched and well-presented argument, this team argued for the banning of Junk Food and the restriction of Fast Food outlets, and provided scientific evidence in support of their cause, and a considered analysis of the socio-economic ramifications.

All teams truly impressed Head Judge and organiser Mrs Derby, and assistant judges Mr Wise and Ms Longden. It was a close-run thing, but after a period of debate and processing of scores, it was finally decreed that Team 3 had secured first place. Well done!

Team 1 and Team 2 were worthy joint second-placed winners.

In summing up, Mrs Derby congratulated all participants on their superb performances and their demonstration of the requisite skills, style and effectiveness in role required for Public Speaking.

We look forward to building further on our competitive Public Speaking at UGS, and to developing the skills of today's and any future candidates.