Students from Shaftesbury, Blandford and Sturminster Newton schools took to the stage for Shaftesbury Rotary’s biggest Youth Speaks competition yet, held on 22nd January at Shaftesbury School.
The event, which challenges young people to develop their public speaking skills, saw teams compete in two age categories: Intermediate (11–13 years) and Senior (14–17 years). Each team had a chairperson, who managed the debate, a proposer, who put forward the motion and an opposer, who argued against it. With a live audience, a judging panel and a time limit to contend with, the students showed impressive composure as they tackled a diverse range of topics – from religion and war to gender and Greek mythology.
Winners and Runners-up
In the Intermediate category, the winning team were from Sturminster Newton High School – Tilly Westbrook, Amber Barlow and Owen Jackson – arguing for lowering the voting age to 12. The Blandford School team – Sophie Duke, Arabella Muir and Odette Miller – took second place with their debate on whether children should be told fairytales.
In the Senior category, Phoebe O’Keefe, Lucy Holdcroft and Esme Compton-Cowdrey from Shaftesbury School won with their discussion on whether AI is developing too fast. Fellow Shaftesbury students Edmund Dobson, Blake Stonton and Sam Parsons were runners-up, debating whether humans should colonise Mars.
The winners will now progress to the district competition on Saturday 5th April at The Mountbatten School in Romsey.
Praise for the Students
The judging panel – Rachael Gale (local teacher), Matthew Billingsley (solicitor) and Virginia Edwyn-Jones (Town Councillor and Shaftesbury Chamber of Commerce Chair) – had the tough task of picking winners from a strong field of speakers.
Matthew Billingsley, now in his third year of judging, praised the students’ performances: ‘Each year, I’m blown away by the commitment of the students and the quality of the debate. This year was no exception and I was delighted to be asked to take part once again. The opportunity to develop public speaking skills is invaluable, giving each student confidence that will stand them in good stead for the future.’
The event, run by Shaftesbury Rotary Club in partnership with Shaftesbury School, will return for even more spirited debate in 2026.
Sponsored by Wessex Internet
