Youth Speaks November 2025

Kendal Rotary Club Youth Speaks Competition

All praise to the teachers and students that took part in the Youth Speaks ‘A Debate’ event at the Rugby Club on 26 November. Amazing support from schools, Rotarians, and let’s not forget the judges for making it happen. Four schools took part with 7 teams, 5 Intermediate and 2 Senior with subjects as diverse as ‘Democracy is Doomed’, ‘the Influence and Impact of Social Media’ and ‘Embryo research’. The students didn’t hold back on important subjects not only to them but the entire World. ‘A Debate’ is a format that worked well with most teams taking 5 minutes each for the Proposer and Opposer and the Chair opening and closing the debate. One team split up the debate into a conversation which was an interesting way to present their case. All the students performed at their best in a friendly atmosphere. The most difficult job of judging was down to Cllr Richard Sutton, Mayor of Kendal, Caz Graham, journalist, and Leigh Williams from Thrive Health CIC. They all spent time making notes to consider the pros and cons and come up with a Best Team in each category. Not a job that many would want to take on this task! The best team in the Senior Category was Kirkbie Kendal School and in the Intermediate Category was Queen Katherine School. Their teachers were Jenny Kirk and Adam Rawson respectively. These two teams have the opportunity to go forward to a Cluster or National event in the New Year. As a reward for their effort the best team participants received a book token for Waterstones and the judges received thanks in the form of a gift token for Armstrong and Ward.   The Rotary Club of Kendal supports young people by offering events for students to share their talents and skills, gain confidence and experience, and challenge themselves in a friendly and fun environment. If you would like to organise events like this then why not step forward and contact Kendal Rotary, there is a place for you in the team – secretary.kendalrotary@outlook.com

Queen Katherine School Intermediate Winners