Lichfield and Burntwood 5th and 6th formers will be debating "That this
House believes that A levels have had their day and should be replaced by an
alternative examination system" in the annual Michael Fabricant MP-Arthur
Price of England Schools Speaking Competition which commences in the
Guildhall, Lichfield on Friday 7th February at 7.30pm. The audience should
be in their places by 7.25pm. Michael Fabricant says "Friends, family, and
anyone interested are invited to support the teams in this colourful contest
based on the procedures of the House of Commons Chamber. The event will be
chaired by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Nicholas
Winterton, who will be keeping contestants and the audience in order! And
the more who noisily support the teams, the merrier. Just like the House of
Commons!

"Silver cups, donated by Arthur Price of England, will be awarded to the
winning school and to the very best individual speaker who may or may not
come from the winning school". The procedure begins with the Mace being
brought into the Chamber just as with the House of Commons in the Speaker’s
Procession. (The only difference being that Lichfield’s two gold maces are
older and more valuable than that used by the Mother of Parliaments in
Westminster).

The competing teams will be:-

Chase Terrace Technology College:
Holly Dowling
Tom Back
Joe Woodward

Chasetown High School:
Clair Rushton
Jobeth Bastable
Siobhan Hughes

The Friary School:
Nicola Simmonds
Kate Astall
Rianna Williams

King Edward VI School:
Laura Dyal
Vanessa Harris
John Potterill-Tilney

Nether Stowe High School:
Leona Sheasby
James Weaver
Tom Coley

The Judging Panel will comprise:

Sir Nicholas Winterton MP
Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Procedure Committee of the House of
Commons

Cllr Mrs Doris English
Mayor of Lichfield

Mr John Price OBE
Chairman of Arthur Price of England

Mr Mike Wilkinson
President, Rotary Club Lichfield St Chad

Mr Craig Thomas
Author

The cups for the winning team will be awarded by Sir Nicholas Winterton MP;
the cup for the best individual speech will be presented by Mr John Price;
and certificates to all the team members will be presented by Michael Fabricant.