WYRE Forest schools battled it out in the first inter-school debating competition organised by MP Mark Garnier.

Mr Garnier chaired the debates at Wyre Forest House, and was joined by Robert Chadwick, from the Continu Trust, Ian Miller, chief executive of Wyre Forest District Council and Councillor Chris Rogers, chairman of the district council – who all acted as judges.

All Wyre Forest secondary schools took part in the debates, as well as Hagley Catholic High School and Haybridge High School. Each school had to either debate for or against the motions ‘Are women more democratic than men?’ and ‘Does democracy work?’.

Pupils from Hagley Catholic High School were announced as the winners, debating the motion ‘Will democracy win over terrorism?’.

Mr Garnier said: “Debating competitions are a great way for students to learn public speaking and to build interests in matters they may not normally discuss within lessons or with friends.

“It builds confidence and team playing as they need to construct arguments in subjects they may not naturally agree with.

“It was a great afternoon and all the schools were extremely well prepared with outstanding contribution and context in their debates. The students and teachers whom supported them should all be extremely proud of their efforts.

“I very much look forward to next year’s debate and I will take away a lot from this experience. I would like to say thank you to Robert Chadwick of the Continu Trust for his support in assisting with the coordination of the schools and to Wyre Forest District Council in lending us their debating chamber.”

The competition was held on December 11.