News Release

28th January 2003

HAVE 'A' LEVELS HAD THEIR DAY?

Lichfield and Burntwood 5th and 6th formers will be debating "That this House believes that A levels have had their day and should be replaced by an alternative examination system" in the annual Michael Fabricant MP-Arthur Price of England Schools Speaking Competition which commences in the Guildhall, Lichfield on Friday 7th February at 7.30pm. The audience should be in their places by 7.25pm. Michael Fabricant says "Friends, family, and anyone interested are invited to support the teams in this colourful contest based on the procedures of the House of Commons Chamber. The event will be chaired by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Nicholas Winterton, who will be keeping contestants and the audience in order! And the more who noisily support the teams, the merrier. Just like the House of Commons!

"Silver cups, donated by Arthur Price of England, will be awarded to the winning school and to the very best individual speaker who may or may not come from the winning school". The procedure begins with the Mace being brought into the Chamber just as with the House of Commons in the Speaker's Procession. (The only difference being that Lichfield's two gold maces are older and more valuable than that used by the Mother of Parliaments in Westminster).

The competing teams will be:-

Chase Terrace Technology College: Holly Dowling Tom Back Joe Woodward

Chasetown High School: Clair Rushton Jobeth Bastable Siobhan Hughes

The Friary School: Nicola Simmonds Kate Astall Rianna Williams

King Edward VI School: Laura Dyal Vanessa Harris John Potterill-Tilney

Nether Stowe High School: Leona Sheasby James Weaver Tom Coley

The Judging Panel will comprise:

Sir Nicholas Winterton MP Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Procedure Committee of the House of Commons

Cllr Mrs Doris English Mayor of Lichfield

Mr John Price OBE Chairman of Arthur Price of England

Mr Mike Wilkinson President, Rotary Club Lichfield St Chad

Mr Craig Thomas Author