Fairfax Best Individual Speaker award: A talent for debate, developed through Fairfax Academy’s Debating Club, paid off for sixth former Oliver Murdoch, when he was named Best Individual Speaker at Sutton Coldfield’s Schools Parliamentary Debating Contest.
Oliver, who formed a formidable debating duo with Georgia Eaves, is part of Fairfax’s Debating Club, which meets weekly to discuss challenging topics, sharpening their debating skills.
On Thursday 26 March, Oliver and Georgia used that experience to skilfully debate the future of the BBC licence fee and mandatory digital IDs at the contest, which is organised annually by Sutton Coldfield MP Sir Andrew Mitchell.
The hotly-contested competition, which has been a fixture in the town for decades, pits teams from all of Sutton Coldfield’s schools against each other in front of a lively audience.
And Oliver, backed by staff and friends from Fairfax, scooped one of the big three prizes – Best Individual Speaker – at the event at Sutton Coldfield College.
Director of Sixth Form at Fairfax, Azania Blake, said: “I am over moon for Oliver – he really did Fairfax proud. He and Georgia were both absolutely brilliant.
“Georgia and Oliver are part of the Debating Club at Fairfax, and many of the other members came out to support them.
“Learning to debate teaches students to remain open to a range of perspectives. It also challenges them to argue positions they may or may not support, which broadens their thinking. As a result, they become more well-rounded and better equipped to interpret the news. Ultimately, it’s a valuable life skill.”