MORE often than not, pupils are being told to be quiet in class. But at Dame Alice Owen’s School in Potters Bar, youngsters were being encouraged to speak up.

For it was the annual Youth Speaks competition, run by the Rotary Clubs of Brookmans Park and Potters Bar.

Teams from Chancellor’s School, in Brookmans Park, and the host school took part, giving presentations on topics such as Factory Farming, The Art of Oratory, School Uniform and Our Beautiful World of Success.

The winning team in the intermediate age group, (11-13 years), was Cameron Choudri, Joshua Kirby and Sam Rubin from Dame Alice Owen’s, who gave a witty and amusing presentation against wearing school uniform

Dame Alice also triumphed in the senior age group (14-17 years), with Ellen Garlick, Garo Heath and Max Cole talking about the aspects of success or failure, based on outward appearances.

A Rotary spokesman said: “The competition is an excellent opportunity for young people to develop their public speaking and presentation skills.

“This year was no exception and was very closely fought.

* Rotary also holds annual competitions for Young Writer and Young Photographer, the subject of which is Community Spirit.

If you’re interested in entering either contest, email Mike Thorpe at mike@mailord.co.uk for further information.