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450 Children Join Public Speaking Competition

Monday, 24 April 2023 at 11:31

A dozen schools are competing in ‘Speak Up, Speak Out Jersey’, hoping to win the trophy.

The challenge encourages Year 6 pupils to write and present speeches on topics they are passionate about.

Research has found that oracy skills can improve a child's overall well-being and confidence, enhance academic achievement, promote social equality and narrow gaps.

Kirstie Williams, Headteacher at St Saviour's primary school, says the pupils need to consider the titles in depth before opting for the one that means the most to them.

"They're going to have to be thinking about why it is important. They’re going to be thinking their way through about what are the key messages they want to get across."

"When I've watched videos of children doing this nationally, it brings a tear to the eye. It’s really, really powerful stuff."

Children can choose from one of four topics which include:

  • What Equality Means to Me;
  • What Makes Me Unique;
  • The Most Inspirational Person to Me;
  •  My Most Significant Experience.

The speeches are expected to be delivered in a TED-talk style.

The schools taking part in the public speaking competition this year are:

  • D’Auvergne,
  • Grand Vaux,
  • La Moye,
  • Plat Douet,
  • Rouge Bouillon,
  • Samares,
  • St Clement,
  • St John,
  • St Luke,
  • St Saviour,
  • St Peter
  • And, Trinity.

St Lawrence and Victoria College are also in the Voice 21 partnership, which is a UK charity which works to promote oracy in hundreds of schools.

On 5 June, the competition will kick off until 10 July, when the finalists will go head-to-head at the Radisson Hotel.

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