Pupils from Wishaw school create digital equality law to come out top in public speaking competition
Two pupils from St Aidan's High in Wishaw were crowned Scottish champions in the prestigious Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Schools (CPFS) Public Speaking competition.
Michelle Agbo, S3, and Emily Traynor, S4, triumphed in four rounds before reaching the national finals, which were held in the grand surroundings of Parliament House in Edinburgh.
Competing against teams from St Andrews in Kirkcaldy and Trinity High School in Renfrew, they spoke on the topic of introducing a law to combat digital inequality.
The assigned topic was, 'What Scottish-based equality law would you introduce and why?'. The girls chose to create a digital equality law.
Both were commended for their expertise on their chosen subject and the confidence of their speeches. The head judge Ruth Charteris KC, Solicitor General, praised the enthusiasm and respectful nature of all participants.
There was a record-breaking entry this year of 117 teams representing 72 schools from all over the country.
The Wishaw girls were supported throughout by Beth McDowall, principal teacher of literacy at St Aidan's High, who was pleased but not surprised by them taking the top spot.
'I'm so proud of all the girls have achieved throughout the competition,' she said. 'I'm most impressed by their dedication to one another as teammates. They have completed a challenge that would intimidate most adults and hopefully they will remember this experience for years to come - I know I will.'
Mrs Farley, head teacher of St Aidan's, also praised the pupils' dedication and skill, saying: 'I was lucky enough to hear the girls in their regional finals and I was so impressed at their compassion, knowledge and communication. The girls' passion shone through and they are wonderful ambassadors for our school.'
Emily and Michelle were each awarded a £50 gift voucher and a trophy for the school.
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