Jack Petchy Speak Out Challenge

November 2006

In early November, Orè and Saul from the Jack Petchy Foundation came into school to work with twenty-five of our Year 10 students for a ‘Speak Out’ Challenge. The aim of the challenge was to increase confidence in students when speaking to an audience and stand up for what they believe in. Students were taught techniques on how to prepare a speech and overcome nerves. This initial session involved the students giving a short speech about themselves and then going on to ‘Speak Out’ about a subject they felt strongly about. One student was then selected to go forward to a Borough Final and there was then the chance to go through to the London finals, with a first prize of £3,000 for the school and a family holiday for the speaker up for grabs.

Dionne Luke MacCauley was awarded most improved speaker and Elaine Li achieved second place but it was Freedom Deane who was selected to represent the school in this challenge at the borough final in December. Freedom’s report is below:

‘When I first did the challenge I was really nervous about talking in front of people. Luckily we had two wonderful helpers; Orè and Saul who helped us to become a lot more confident and they also made us feel a lot happier about speaking in front of everyone. All the people who did the challenge were excellent so it was a really tight competition. Elaine and I won, so were able to go through to the Borough finals at Sion Manning in West London. When we got there we had to take part in some games to help boost our confidence. The people were really friendly and I made friends with the other people doing the challenge. Time seemed to go really quickly – soon we were sitting in the hall listening to Orè introduce the speakers.

The speeches were excellent, ranging from Obesity to Fundamentalism. Others were on Christmas, Poverty, Teenage Pregnancy, Global Warming and many more. Finally it was my turn and I was so nervous. But when my name was mentioned the Grey Coat support team all stood up and clapped so loud that we won the prize for best supporters (winning a large tin of Cadbury Hero chocolates!)

I had to deliver my speech and surprisingly it was really fun. I was so nervous but when I got on stage I felt as though everyone was supportive and I finished the speech with a smile on my face.

· ‘the support team were brilliant and cheered so enthusiastically’ (Freedom Deane)

· ‘I enjoyed watching all fourteen competitors, they were all good’ (Natalie Barghach )

· ‘Being loud doesn’t just get you into trouble - it gets you a big box of Hero’s!’ (Susan Kuton)

· ‘I wasn’t surprised we won the loudest supporters prize, the other schools just couldn’t handle us!’ (Elaine Li)

It was certainly a memorable and rewarding experience for all the Year 10 girls involved at all levels of the ‘Speak Out’ Challenge. 

'As teachers we endeavour to teach and inspire young people.  During the borough final I sat and listened to the young people speaking out about their passions, views and beliefs and it was them inspiring me' (Miss Grose).

Picture below shows Freedom with her certificate and surrounded by her loyal supporters.

                          

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