THOUGHTFUL student Emily Blueberry beat some of the best public speakers in the country to carry off a coveted prize at the national final of an acclaimed debating competition.

The student from Roundwood Park School in Harpenden took home third place in the individual contribution at the Institute of Ideas and Pfizer Debating Matters Competition, for "making thoughtful contributions throughout the day".

Fellow Roundwood Park student Caroline Dines received an honourable mention in the individual contribution competition.

The Roundwood Park team of Emily Blueberry, Vicky Quinn, Charlotte Smith and Ben White hope to see themselves on television after being filmed by Brook Lapping Education which is looking to secure a broadcast commission about the competition.

The sixth-form students argued about issues shaping today's world and faced critical questioning from panels of high-profile judges at the national final at London's Goodenough College.

Among the judges were historian Professor Felipe Fernandez-Armesto, children's book reviewer for the Sunday Times Nicolette Jones and director of Medicine, Society and History, for the Wellcome Trust, Clare Matterson.

Documentary filmmaker Paul Watson, also on the panel, commented on the high level of contributions from the floor at the final.

n The University of Hertfordshire, which sponsors the eastern region round, is looking for schools in the area to participate in the 2005/06 regional heats.

For more information contact James Gledhill on 020 7269 9227 or jamesgledhill@instituteofideas.com.