The Winning Team: Chase Terrace Technology College

‘From out of the ashes there rose a phoenix’ exclaimed one of the competitors and Chase Terrace Technology College won the Michael Fabricant MP – Arthur Price of England Schools Speaking Competition 2003 in the Guildhall, Lichfield last night (7th February). The Best Individual Speech Award was won by Vanessa Harris from King Edward VI School in Lichfield.

Best Individual Speech: Vanessa Harris (King Edward VI School, Lichfield)

The debate, run on Parliamentary lines involving colourful pageantry complete with Mace Bearer and Sword Bearer, was chaired under the Speakership of Sir Nicholas Winterton MP who is a Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons and is Chairman of the House Procedure Committee. Chase Terrace Technology College argued for the motion: "That this House believes that A levels have had their day and should be replaced by an alternative examination system" while Vanessa Harris argued against.

Michael Fabricant says: "Fortunately, I don’t judge the competition and this year the standard of debate was particularly high this year. Parents, teachers, and friends all had an excellent time as the 5 High Schools in the Lichfield constituency battled it out. I am delighted that Chase Terrace won the day given that the School is only just recovering from their
devastating fire of a few months back. These competitions demonstrate the enthusiasm and skill demonstrated by the competitors and their tutors and is a fine omen for Britain’s next generation of professionals. This is the 10th year of the Speaking Competition which grows from strength to strength and it has become an important Lichfield tradition. I am grateful for the support it receives from the schools, the City, Lichfield St Chad Rotary Club and John Price of Arthur Price of England".

Silver cups, donated by Arthur Price of England, were awarded to the winning school and to the very best individual speaker and certificates were presented to all the competitors and their schools.

The competing teams were:-

Chase Terrace Technology College (WINNERS):

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 (BEST SPEAKER)

John Potterill-Tilney

Nether Stowe High School:

Philip Granger

James Weaver

Tom Coley

The Judging Panel comprised: