STAFF and students at Pershore High School have been celebrating their public speaking and debating prowess which has seen them argue their way to the final of two competitions.

The school’s public speaking team, consisting of speaker Jared White, chairman Michael Wheatley and questioner Charlotte Redgewell, are in the Worcestershire final of the English Speaking Union competition.

English teacher John Rees said: “We are very proud of our pedigree of public speaking here at Pershore High School, and have several teams.

“The regional final in Birmingham is the next step for this group and we have got there more than once before.

“Michael has been very professional in his approach as chairman, Jared is very good at researching his topics and answering questions, and Charlotte is very quick to pick up questions.

“Altogether they are a very strong team, especially since they’re so young. They will be competing against others much older than themselves.

“The Worcestershire final takes place in the New Year and they are very much looking forward to it.”

Meanwhile the debating team, which consists of Charlotte Redgewell and Gareth Roberts, is through to the final of The Taylor Trophy debating competition to be held at Bromsgrove School next term.

They will be competing against six schools in the final and as yet the motion is not known. In the semi-final they successfully opposed the motion ‘This House would continue to support the Space Race.’

Head teacher Clive Corbett said: “I am very proud of the achievement of both teams. Their success continues the school's fine traditions in debating and public speaking.”