This was the eighth year of these unique annual events, organised by Ouse Valley President Dr Tony Wood, for pupils in years 4 and 5 of Primary School. On this occasion he was joined by Ellen Punter, who will take over next year. Our thanks to Tony for setting up and running such a successful event in our yearly calendar.
Held at Bedford School, for whose generous hospitality we are very grateful, the eighteen schools that took part provided, by invitation, twenty teams between them, so two sessions were definitely required! The teams, (Chairman, Speaker and Questioner) presented in pairs, questions to the speaker being put by the questioner of the other team.
The standard gets ever higher and the judges (Averil Watson, Alan Evenson and Paul Blunt for the first session and Paddy Barrett, Roger Cornwell and Brian Hunter for the second session) had a challenging task.
Interestingly, only two of this year’s topics were school related: “Headteachers should teach every class once every week” provided an abundance of pertinent and thought-provoking advice, but unfortunately there was not a single Headteacher present to profit by it!
On the first occasion the Junior Public Speaking Trophy was awarded to Cauldwell Primary, with the runners up from Putnoe Primary. The Best Chairman was from Hazeldene Primary, the Best Speaker from Cauldwell Primary, and the Best Questioner from Putnoe Primary. On the following week the winner’s trophy was awarded to Goldington Green Academy, with the runners up from Robert Peel Primary. The Best Chairman came from Scott Primary, the Best Speaker from Goldington Green Academy, and the Best Questioner from Scott Primary.
Certificates from the ESU were presented to every pupil, on the first occasion by Alex Bailey from Dartmouth House, whose support was much appreciated.
Two very successful events to further the key aims of our organisation.
This story was submitted by the ESU Ouse Valley branch. Please click here for information on this branch and its upcoming events.
