Henry and Alex take the stage for public speaking contest

Two talented pupils at a Tamworth school took to the stage at a major public speaking competition – and held the audience and judges spellbound.

Year Six pupils Henry and Alexia were selected after a three-week process at William MacGregor Primary School – which is part of the respected Arthur Terry Learning Partnership – to take part in the Speak Up Speak Out competition.

On Friday, July 7th, they travelled to the Midland Art Centre, in Birmingham, to represent their school in the finals of the oracy contest, organised by Excelsior MAT, competing against 30 other children.

Assistant headteacher Megan Sheward said:

“Alexia spoke passionately about her first day at William MacGregor and Henry spoke honestly about what makes him unique.  Alexia was absolutely amazing, and Henry completely won the audience and judges over with his humour. This is the first time William MacGregor has been involved with the competition and Henry deservedly placed in the top six – winning a trophy. I am so proud of them both.”

The build-up to the big day began six weeks before the contest, when 28 Year Six students wrote speeches. They had four topics to choose from: ‘what equality and diversity means to me’, ‘what makes me unique’, the ‘most inspirational person to me’ and ‘my most significant experience’. 

After a week of writing and a week of rehearsing, the children performed their speeches to one another in the hall in a first heat.

Head of School Natalie Jones picked six children to go through to the next level in the following week, this time performing to the whole of key stage 2. 

From this heat, Strategic Lead Suzie Norton and assistant headteacher Laura Marsh selected a final two competitors from another heat at school in the fourth week – Alexia and Henry. The children then had two more weeks to practise and perfect their delivery before the big day in Birmingham.

Their class teacher Miss Sheward said: “The competition was a great experience, and helped the children learn that their voice has the right to be heard, and that their views and opinions matter. 

“It gives the children a platform to talk about something they are passionate about and you can tell that means a lot to them.”

All the children who took part in the grand final received a certificate for their involvement.  

William MacGregor Head of School Natalie Jones said: “We are incredibly proud of both Henry and Alexia for representing William MacGregor and the ATLP so well. We very much look forward to taking part in the competition next year again!”

Caption: Henry and Alexia with Assistant headteacher Megan Sheward at the contest.