Two secondary school students put their debating skills to the test at the Epping Forest Schools Parliamentary Debating Competition 2019, hosted by the district’s MP.

Year 12 student Florence and Year 10 student Zak from Roding Valley High School in Loughton battled against 14 other pupils at the debate on Friday, November 15.

During the annual competition, pupils were asked to pitch their views from across on the topic of climate change in front of Epping Forest MP Dame Eleanor Laing.

The duo chose to speak against, the motion: "This House believes that mass protests about climate change are unnecessary and counterproductive as the danger to the planet has already been recognised”.

Miss Selda Garip, challenge and enrichment co-ordinator at Roding Valley High School, said: “It’s fantastic to see students from across the Epping Forest area come together and discuss important issues affecting the world today.

“It’s so rewarding to see the enthusiasm of both Zak and Florence in the run up to, and during, the competition itself - they should be very proud.”

In 2019 the Loughton-based school has seen several victories in a number of debating and speaking competitions.

They include national champion win at Up for Debate, a Year 10 finalist at the Jack Petchey’s Speak out Challenge and a Year 11 student securing seventh place at European Youth Debating Competition.

Headteacher Sharon Jenner, said: “At Roding Valley High School we have a strong commitment to developing confident speakers, so it’s fantastic to see students continue to put themselves forward and take part in such great initiatives.

"A huge well done to Florence and Zak, this is a great achievement.”