The eight talented language students gathered at Westminster to give declamations on mythological, fictional, and historic figures including Chanel, Napoleon, Prometheus, Javert, Caligula, Deianira, Nietzsche and Tantalus.

The eloquence contest is a verbal competition on subject chosen by the orator. During an allotted time, pupils deliver a clear and structured speech in front of an audience made up of a jury and spectators. The jury panel, composed of academics and journalists, then submit each orator to a cross-examination following the declamations.

Standout speeches and defences came from Elisabeth (Lycée), Thibault (Lycée), Sam (Sixth Form, RR) and Ava (Sixth Form, AHH). Sam said: “My speech was in defence of Javert, the police officer in Les Misérables. My speech was powerful, thanks to some help from Dr Blache, Head of French, Leopoldine and Claire, French Language Assistants.

“The 10 minutes of questioning that ensued led by the jury panel was significantly more challenging, but all in all, it was a competitive, but very fun afternoon.”