Time travel, dreams and the obsession with “selfie” photographs were among the subjects debated by students in a public speaking competition.
Pupils from Redbridge schools did not shy away from hard-hitting topics, including diets of just 500 calories a day and controversial posthumous pardons by authorities.
They went head-to-head in the annual Youth Speaks public speaking competition on Thursday.
Woodford County High School won the award for best team in the senior category, while Oaks Park High School won the title at intermediate level.
Speakers from Bancroft’s School, Chigwell School and Beal High School also competed at Trinity Catholic High School in Mornington Road, Woodford Green.
Youth Speaks is run by the Rotary Club of Barkingside and aims to offer young people an experience of public speaking and to foster leadership.
Member Margaret Cooper said: “The topics were as varied as the competition was fierce.”
The winners of the regional heat were given awards by Barkingside Rotary Club president Bobbie Segal.
They will go on to the London district round in March for the chance to compete in the national finals.
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