The Rotary Club Public Speaking Competition is one of the most sought after titles in the competitive calendar for East Renfrewshire schools. This year’s team from Barrhead High School (Ciara Morton, Alice McNair and Olivia Ross) were fierce contenders as they took to the stage at St Luke’s High School to discuss “The Plight of Women”. This impassioned speech was delivered by Alice McNair who was confident in her delivery and held her audience’s attention with ease. Alice spoke eloquently and wowed her listeners with her original view on feminism: describing how it does more to contribute to rather than eradicate inequality. Alice was supported by her chairperson, Ciara Morton, who explained the reasoning behind Alice’s point of view and by Olivia Ross who delivered the Vote of Thanks.

The team worked well together and produced a high quality piece of work and delivered it with style and flair, much to the enjoyment of the audience. The girls were able to answer a question from Jim Murphy MP and held their own; remaining sure and steadfast to their principles.

The girls represented the school well and are thankful for the support they received; they especially wanted to thank Mrs Richardson (Principal Teacher of English) for her unwavering support and for the members of staff who gave up their lunchtime to support the girls and hear them rehearse. The support they received has allowed the girls to build their confidence and they believe they have benefitted from their experience.

Despite the fact that the girls did not win the competition, they are heartened by the feedback they received from both pupils and staff of other schools. The girls delivered an enthralling speech which was widely considered by most of the audience to be one of the front runners for the title. Well Done!