AS student Katherine Lyonette impressed the judges in the NW regional final of the Debating Matters competition to walk away with the top individual award for Best Individual Speaker. She won the same award in the qualifying round.

 

In addition her team mate, Mobeen Kausar, who is taking her A2 year, was awarded the individual runner up prize for her “brilliant” speeches. 

 

In winning the individual prizes the two Loreto students beat all the speakers in all the winning teams. The judges also praised Mobeen’s insight and Katherine’s ability to gently persuade.

 

The Loreto team won its place in the regional final after beating three other schools in the Manchester regional heat last October. The debating team was helped by more than 25 students to prepare for the regional finals in which they faced some tough competition.

 

In the first debate Loreto were arguing in support of the motion: “There should be no limits on artistic expression,” against Winstanley College. In the second Loreto were arguing against the motion: “The response to the 2009 MPs expenses scandal will strengthen Democracy” opposing Walton College. The competition was eventually won by Hutton Church of England Grammar School.