Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge

We are delighted to share details of our students’ participation in the Jack Petchey Speak Out Regional Final, which took place on Wednesday 22nd April at Saffron Walden County High School.

Our school champions were accompanied by Miss Guest and Mr Dare, and the afternoon began with a pre-competition workshop led by The Speaker’s Trust. During this session, students refined their oracy skills, focusing on voice, structure, body-language and audience engagement, helping them prepare confidently for the evening’s competition.

Students then delivered powerful and thoughtful speeches in front of a large audience and judging panel:

• Elliot S spoke compellingly on the theme of Identity,
• James S delivered an insightful and challenging piece on Labels.

They represented the school with confidence, maturity and skill, and we are extremely proud of the way they conducted themselves throughout the event.

We would also like to acknowledge Esme O, who was our school reserve – whilst unfortunately, Esme didn’t get to speak on the night, we are looking forward to hearing her speech on Endometriosis in full in an upcoming Yr7 assembly.

We will be running the Jack Petchey Speak Out competition again next year with our current Year 9 students, giving them the same opportunity to develop confidence, communication skills and a strong student voice.