The school held its final public speaking event of the year last week. The Partnership Primary and Junior Inter House both produced speeches of the highest calibre. Mr Sommerville, as chairman, Mrs Elizabeth Clarke, former member of staff and who launched public speaking at the start of the school, and Mrs Esther Craig, our Partnership Officer, had the difficult task of judging.

8 of our primaries took part: Heather Duncanson (Morningside), Emma Brown (Newmains), Calum Boyle (Wishaw Academy), Eva Martinez (Netherton), Iona Cowie (Castlehill), Sarah Dunn (Berryhill), Corey Owens (Overtown) and James Kilpatrick (Thornlie). These fine orators delivered a wonderful programme of insightful, humorous, reflective and challenging speeches. At the end of a really tight contest, Corey Owens received his individual award and the Public Speaking Shield for Overtown with his passionate account of his involvement in the art of dance.

In the Inter House event, Cara Sinnett and Chloe Hall represented Houldsworth, Stuart Murphy and Abby Cockburn were Curran’s duo and Sneddon’s team was Aaron Miller and Paige McLelland.

The S1/S2 event more than matched the quality of the opening contest, with Chloe Hall declared the individual winner with a moving and challenging speech on the sometimes tragic impact caused by thoughtless and bullying behaviour. And, a strong performance from her Houldsworth partner, Cara Sinnett extolling the virtues of literature, allowed that House to win the Junior Quaich.

Curran came a close second with Sneddon third but by the narrowest of margins in the history of the competition.

Well done to Miss Claire Douglas, of the English Department who organised the event, and to all her colleagues who have worked with all of the speakers over a number of weeks. And, a special thank you to the many teachers, parents and friends who provided a large and appreciative audience for these very talented speakers.

Houldsworth’s Chloe Hall (centre left) and Cara Sinnett hold the junior public speaking trophies and are flanked by Paige McLelland and Aaron Miller (left) and Abby Cockburn and Stuart Murphy.