Finals of prestigious public speaking competition to take place this week
The finals of an esteemed new public speaking competition for primary and secondary school students across Lancashire are taking place today (7 November) and tomorrow (8 November).
The Great Lancashire Debate will celebrate the schools across Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool with the best public speakers and supports UK Parliament Week 2023, which runs November 6-11.
School teams recorded presentations that told judges about an important issue affecting the county - and how it will be resolved by 2050.
The entries were shortlisted by a judging panel and the final six primary schools and six secondary schools will be invited to a grand final at County Hall in Preston today (7 November) and tomorrow (8 November).
The prizes will include an engraved shield which will be presented by the Chairman, plus an opportunity to meet the Cabinet.
The primary schools that have been shortlisted for Tuesday are: Barden Primary School; Burscough Village Primary School; Edenfield Church of England Primary School; Eldon Primary School; St Gregory's Catholic Primary School and Westhead Lathom St James' Church of England Primary School
The secondary school finalists, on Wednesday, are: Ashton Community Science College; Balshaw's Church of England High School; Hope High School; Ribblesdale School; SS John Fisher and Thomas More Roman Catholic High School and West Craven High School.
County Councillor Phillipa Williamson, Leader of Lancashire County Council Leader said: "We know that schools across Lancashire have been working very hard preparing for the Great Lancashire Debate.
"Our key vision for Lancashire 2050 was the inspiration for their debating topic. Lancashire 2050 is about bringing people together with a shared vision, shared ambition, shared goals and shared priorities. It’s about the future of our county and its people.
"It sets out the areas where we can work together to help our county thrive: economic prosperity; transport and infrastructure; early years and education; employment and skills; environment and climate; housing; health and wellbeing; and communities and place.
"We are set to hear all the ideas about this from the brightest young minds in Lancashire and this can have far-reaching consequences as we can use this important feedback to help shape future work on Lancashire 2050.
"We are looking forward to watching the debates and listening to fascinating ideas and views being challenged. Good luck to all of the schools taking part."
Find out more at The Great Lancashire Debate - Lancashire County Council