CONTROVERSIAL topics from whether athletes should be allowed to take performance-enhancing drugs to the banning of school uniforms were up for discussion during a debating competition at Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy.

Year nine pupils had an hour to prepare their speeches before debating in front of three judges.

Students were awarded marks for their audibility, clarity, relevance, how well organized their arguments were, word choice and persuasiveness. 

Members of Tafari House were named as the winning team with 166 points followed by Nickson House and Browne House.

Teacher Amy Jarvis said: “Many of the students that put themselves forward for the competition were not, at first, the most confident of speakers. 

"They took themselves out of their comfort zones and worked hard each and every week to prepare and successfully deliver clear, confident and articulate speeches on the day.  

"All those who took part should be very proud of themselves for representing their respective houses.”