Schools Question Time 2008 winners were announced last night by David Dimbleby on Question Time, following hours of deliberation by the BBC and Institute for Citizenship judges who found it so hard to decide that they also recognised a fifth school as ‘very highly commended’.
The four winning schools were Gwernyfed High School in Powys, Wales; Holyhead School in Handsworth, Birmingham; Ringwood School, near Bournemouth; The Tiffin Girls School in Richmond, London. St Stephen's in Port Glasgow, Scotland was the fifth school that was considered to be an extremely close runner up.
Twelve finalist events were held around the UK, some with high profile panellists, others with fiery debates, some with both and all evidently the product of real commitment and passion from the students that worked hard for months to plan, manage and execute these events.
We had senior BT people attend each event to say a few words to open the debate and now I keep getting emails saying how impressed they were and how proud they are that this is one of BT’s projects. We’re proud too.
The competition now moves from one exciting phase to another - the next milestone is an event at Westminster City Hall on 10th July, when we are hoping that 2000 young people will be invited to attend a day long warm up session of debates, workshops and activities in the build up to the real Question Time programme which will have been produced by the four winning schools and David Dimbleby. This will be a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved, and I can’t wait!!
Miya Allen
