Year 12 student, Isla Rowe, has secured a place in the national final of the Historical Association’s prestigious public speaking competition, The Great Debate.
Isla took part in the semi‑finals on Wednesday 11th February, where students from across the country delivered carefully researched, five‑minute speeches exploring the question:
“How important are personal and public records as evidence for explaining the story, or stories, of your local area?”
In her compelling presentation, Isla focused on a significant yet often overlooked chapter of Torquay’s wartime history: the bombing of St Marychurch during the Second World War, with particular attention to the devastating attack on St Mary the Virgin Church. Drawing on both public archives and personal testimonies, she illustrated how different forms of historical evidence help reveal not just the facts of the tragedy, but the lived experiences of the local community. Her thoughtful approach highlighted the power of records—official and personal—to preserve memory, shape understanding, and give voice to those affected by historical events.
The semi‑finals were held online, with a panel of judges assessing students’ research, clarity, and ability to engage an audience. Isla’s articulate delivery and depth of analysis earned her a place in the highly competitive national final.
Isla will now progress to The Great Debate Final, which will take place on 21st March at Mary Ward House in London.
Isla said ‘It was lovely to hear stories from such a long time ago and it is important that these records are preserved. It was fascinating doing the research and looking at stories that are often overlooked – we don’t look at first hand narratives and sources of events as much today so it was amazing to get an insight into life in World War 2 in the local area.’