Recently, pupils representing 8 of our 9 partnership primary schools provided one of the best ever Partnership Primary School Public Speaking Contests. In front of a packed theatre, the pupils wowed both the audience and the judges with the breadth and depth of their topics and the dynamic style of delivery.

The panel of judges comprised Mr Ian Sommerville, Head Teacher, Mrs Elizabeth Clarke, a former member of the Clyde Valley staff and the Reverend Graham Raeburn, School Chaplain. In summing up the thinking of the judges, Mr Sommerville extolled lavish praise on the young speakers and was delighted to confirm Kara Rutherford of Wishaw Academy Primary School as the individual winner. Her speech on the forthcoming Scottish Referendum edged her ahead of an impressive band of speakers.

In the Clyde Valley Junior Public Speaking event, Liam Dunnachie, representing Houldsworth House, won the overall individual title with a witty reflection of the battles of medical science with a speech entitled ‘We Are at War’. Leah Hannah was Jordan’s Houldsworth team mate.

Sneddon captured the House title with impressive performances from Rebecca Gault and Amy McLeod. Bobbi Kennedy and Caitlin Smith from Curran House helped ensure this year’s Junior School event was also the strongest for many years.

Clyde Valley’s Junior Public Speakers (from left to right): Caitlin Smith, Bobbi Kennedy, Rebecca Gault, Amy McLeod, Leah Hannah and Liam Dunnachie.