Two Monmouth schools competed at the annual Rotary-organised debating competition at the Shire Hall last week.

Monmouth School (MS) and Monmouth Comprehensive School (MCS) went head to head in the Youth Speaks competition with a team in each of the intermediate and senior levels.

At intermediate level, the first subject for debate was, ‘Is AI (artificial intelligence) a danger to society?’.

MC chair was Sonali Doshi, proposed by Henry Large and opposed by Frank Meredith.

Next up was ‘Is animal testing really that cruel?’ Chaired by MCS Daisy Court, proposed by Annabel Atkinson and opposed by Neve Owen.

Senior level debate began with ‘Is the use of animals in sport ethical?’

This was chaired by MS’s Mali Price, opposed by Alice Meredith and proposed by Seb Wilson.

Finally the debate ended on ‘Are human beings inherently selfish?’

This was chaired by MCS Ed Stapleton and proposed by Albert Kent and opposed by Mia Owens.

MC for the evening was Rotary’s Peter Davey, and the judges were Flora Coutts, David Evans (lead) and Anna Foote.

Presentation of the certificates went to Vice President Bill Parnell

The winners will go through to Rotary’s district final on Saturday February 8th at Churchdown Community Centre, Gloucester.