THE media and virtual reality were topics which helped two sets of Stourbridge school pupils make a competition’s regional semi-final.

Students from Redhill School achieved a very creditable third place in the recent Youth Speaks competition held in Coventry.

After battling their way to first place in the initial round of the Rotary International-led competition, the two groups of students had to settle for a runners-up spot in the semi-finals.

The year 10 team, made up of Sophie Garbett, Georgia Phillips and Lauren Whitehouse, chose to speak on the topic of the media, while Noah Vanden-Branden, Aneesa Nawaz and George Devo of the year nine team decided on virtual reality.

The speech they gave included a story of a mother who hired a virtual assassin to try and kill her son’s in-game character in order to get him out of his virtual reality headset.

Adam Sidaway, English and drama teacher at Redhill School and the Youth Speaks team coach, said: “We are delighted with the success of both teams.

“Everyone at Redhill School is very proud of all those who took part for winning the first round of the competition and coming third in the semi-finals.

“We can’t wait to see what Redhill will bring in the Youth Speaks competition next year.”

The annual four-stage competition is designed to support and encourage the development of effective communication skills within teenagers.