The new half-term got off to a lively start with the final of the inaugural House Oracy competition. Following preliminary rounds earlier in the term, five finalists from Years 8 and 9 took to the stage to deliver three-minute speeches to win glory for their House. The audience of judges, fellow pupils and staff heard five compelling arguments on a variety of topics, each delivered with confidence and skill.
Justin (Y9, representing Norton), picked up the trophy with a fluent and perfectly-paced speech examining the delicate balance of how to ensure digital safety and censorship of harmful content while not repressing freedom of speech.
The four other Houses were represented by: Kitty (Y8, Prendergast) who spoke with contagious enthusiasm about the health, wellbeing and social benefits of playing rugby; Benedict (Y9, Bramley), using powerful rhetoric to great oratorial effect on the joys and pitfalls of a school lunch queue; Mahin (Y9, Beardwood), who presented a cogent argument pleading the case for less homework; and Melis (Y8, Glyn) who gave a confident and well-paced speech on the joy of having many passions in life.
The judges commended all speakers for their thoroughly enjoyable talks, impressive vocabulary, rhetorical devices and confidence of delivery, with particular praise for Justin for his ambitious topic and the tone, emphasis and pacing of his delivery.
As overall winner, Justin will go on to represent the school in the prestigious Oracy Cup Competition, a wider community competition introduced by Charlton Athletic Community Trust and Equalitas.
The House Oracy competition was launched to help develop pupils’ public speaking skills while also fostering healthy House spirit. Every pupil in Years 8 and 9 took part in the early rounds, presenting their speech to their form with the top speakers chosen from each form going forward to represent their House in the final.
Head Dan Gabriele said: “We are delighted to have launched this new House competition. Developing oracy skills plays a vital role in pupils’ personal and academic growth. The ability to speak clearly, present ideas confidently and argue persuasively lies at the heart of effective communication – skills that support success both in the classroom and as active, engaged citizens. Throughout the process, our pupils demonstrated a high level of preparation and commitment. Well done to all who took part, in particular to our finalists, and congratulations to Justin for winning the inaugural competition.”
