A LYMM High School student has made it to the final of a debate competition judged by the oldest higher education institution in London, Gresham College.

Gresham Schools’ Oracy Competition is a debate competition where sixth form students are asked to deliver a speech on a question of their choice.

Princesa Moncada, 16, is one of 12 students who have been selected to compete in the final on Tuesday, March 26 in Banard’s Inn Hall, Holborn.

“I have always been interested in debate and in public speaking,” said Princesa, who found out about the competition in the sixth form newsletter from her school, Lymm High School.

“I can defend any position even if it’s not my opinion or I agree with the premise.”

The Gresham Competition began in 2023 and aims to showcase the communication skills of students aged 16-17 across the UK.

The student who wins first place will receive £9,250 towards their first year of university tuition and £1,000 will be granted to the winner’s school.

“I have not been thinking much about the final prize as I’m happy to already be one of the top 12 finalists, but it would be incredible for me to come up in first place,” Princesa said.

Princesa was one of around 430 students to apply to the competition, submitted a video of herself answering a chosen question.

The teenager has been devoting almost all of her free time to prepare for the upcoming final.

“For my preparation I’ve been focussing on my non-verbal language as it’s important for me to catch my audience’s attention.”

“I think critical thinking is important – analysing the strengths and weaknesses of each opinion and their respective argument is a mental exercise that relaxes me, and I find it entertaining.”

After finding our she reached the final, Princesa asked her teachers at Lymm High School if she could practice her speech to a small audience and has been supported by her teachers while she prepares.

“Princesa has been supported by the English team in order to fine-tune her delivery using a range of prosodic features and next week she will be travelling to London to deliver her presentation in person,” said Gillian Corker, a teacher at Lymm High school who has been supporting Princesa.

“We are very proud of her for getting to this stage and send every good wish with her as she completes her final preparations.”