SCHOOLCHILDREN from across the borough got a taste of life in the political arena when they went to Solihull Council for a debate.
Year five pupils from six Catholic primary schools discussed the role of technology in the lives of children and whether those under 12 should have access to the internet or electronic devices.
The schools involved were Our Lady of the Wayside, Our Lady of Compassion, St Augustine’s, St George and St Teresa’s, St Anne’s, and St Anthony’s.
This year was the eighth edition of the competition, which is organised by Ben Taylor, headmaster of Our Lady of the Wayside Primary.
The six representatives from each school were chosen by their classmates to represent them in the debate.
After all 30 children had spoken The Mayor of Solihull, Coun Flo Nash, decided that the outstanding debater of the day was Aoife McNamara, from Our Lady of Compassion Catholic Primary School.
The Mayor said: “It was a real pleasure to listen to these children, who are so young but spoke with such impressive eloquence and passion.
“The standard was very high and they should all be very proud of themselves.
“Speaking in the council chamber can be nerve wracking even for those of us who have done it for years, to be able to do so at their age is very impressive.”
Ben Taylor said: “Well done to all the children who took part in this year’s Year five debate.
“They all presented their arguments extremely well, with clarity and confidence.”
