A school team has successfully argued that society could survive without the internet at an event in Lichfield.
Students from John Taylor High School in Barton-under-Needwood took the top prize at the Michael Fabricant Arthur Price of England Schools Speaking Competition at the Lichfield Guildhall.
Six teams took part from the Chase Terrace Technology College, Erasmus Darwin Academy, The Friary School, King Edward VI, Netherstowe and John Taylor High School – who won out in their first year of taking part.
As well as the team prize, Robert Adderley scooped the best speaker award for his fluency in summarising the questions and answers that had been asked of the main speakers.
“The standard this year was particularly high,” said Michael Fabricant MP. “The arguments presented against the internet were varied and some were quite philosophical. In particular, one student said that the age of the internet had brought in an age of cynicism where no ‘expert’ can be trusted which is damaging to society.
“I’ve invited the winning team to have a tour and drink with me in the House of Commons.”
The Speaking Competition is run on Parliamentary lines with full ceremonial and waving of Order Papers. The silver cups are provided by Simon Price, managing director of Arthur Price of England.
Three photographs show the Competition in progress in the Lichfield Guildhall; all the teams, judges, Mayor, Sheriff, Simon Price and Michael Fabricant; and the Winning Team – John Taylor High School with (left to right) Daniel Ruttley, Daniel Pettingale, Michael Fabricant, Robert Adderley (who also won Best Overall Speaker in the Competition), and Simon Price of Arthur Price of England