STUDENTS from Droitwich Spa High School have competed in the regional finals of a national debating competition.

Four pupils from the Briar Mill School travelled to the University of Leicester on Tuesday, April 23 for the Debating Matters contest.

Debating Matters is an annual competition that encourages young people to learn about and debate serious intellectual issues.

Each student gives a three minute presentation, either for or against a motion, and is then grilled by three judges who look for flaws in the students’ arguments.

The Droitwich team got through to the regional finals stage after a victory at Bromsgrove School in November last year.

Four students, Chris Rouse, Julia Sammons, Eliot Pulver and Jamie Leurs, gave a very strong account of themselves and although they didn’t win through to the final, they were glad of the experience.

Julia Sammons said: “It was a great experience but it is very hard work. Not only do we have to really know our facts and figures but the judges demand that we can think on our feet and hold our ideas in the face of some real provocation.”

Mr David Izod, who runs the school’s debating society, said: “I am genuinely proud of all of the students. I have to be honest and say that I am glad it is them and not me who has to go up on to the stage and do what they do. it takes a huge amount of research, dedication and courage to take part in this competition and the students deserve a lot of praise for getting this far and really holding their own at regional level.”