This year’s John Fry Public Speaking Competition, held on Friday 4 March, saw five of Queenswood’s most capable orators discussing ethical and moral issues related to the coronavirus pandemic.

Each speaker was tasked with delivering a four minute speech on a given topic, and answering an unprepared question from the floor.

The standard was especially high this year, and our adjudicators, John Hopley and Sandra Wood from Hatfield Rotary Club, had a difficult decision.

The eventual winner was Erina M (Year 13), who gave a heartfelt and compelling speech on the subject of key workers’ responsibilities, and answered her impromptu question with remarkable eloquence.

Congratulations to Erina and her fellow finalists – Elizabeth J (Year 11), Asha K (Year 11), Moni O (Year 12) and Meyiwa W (Year 13) – and thanks to the many pupils who volunteered for the preliminary rounds last month.

You can watch short excerpts from the speeches above.