Speak Out Challenge

Year 10 Speak Out Workshop:

In January, thirty Year 10 students took part in a Speak Out workshop run by the Speakers Trust. These workshops are designed to develop public speaking and communication skills as well as build self-esteem and agency. Students took part in a number of activities to help them develop these skills, learn more about each other and practise talking in front of the whole group. By the end of the day, students had written a speech on a topic of their choice and stood up in front of each other and a panel of judges to perform them. The judges were so impressed by the quality of the speeches and the determination shown by each student who stood up and spoke out despite the nerves!

            

The Assembly Final:

Six students were then selected to go through to our Assembly Final. They redrafted and perfected their speeches before delivering them to an audience of Year 7 students, teachers and governors. We are so proud of each of our six finalists for taking on this challenge and performing so well. For most, it was the first time they had stood up in front of an audience and this in itself is a huge accomplishment.

Our judging panel awarded Miller M as our Speak Out Challenge Winner and Arsen K as our Runner-Up. Miller will now go through to the Sussex Final, competing with students from across the region. Speeches will be watched by a panel of local VIPs and decision-makers and students will have the opportunity to share their message even further using Speakers Trust social media platforms.

Our winner, Miller M had this to say about his experience:

'I wanted to take part in the Speak Out workshop because public speaking and being able to express your thoughts clearly and effectively is such an applicable skill; it was something I felt I could draw on in college, a job interview, or just everyday school life. I really enjoyed the workshop and the supporting space it created, which allowed everyone to share their stories. It allowed me to find what I was passionate about, and provided a safe space to explore how I could present this. Lastly, I’ve learned the importance of words, and more importantly, my voice. I feel it has set me up for future success, and brought me closer to my peers too.'