Schools and teams traveled to Brentwood last weekend to compete in the final of the Youth Speaks 2015 competition.
In the intermediate category Colchester Royal Grammar School was crowned winner with Gorak Rajesh from the school being chosen as the Best Speaker in the category. In the seniors round The High School of Glasgow came out on top after speaking about ‘learning to teach, teaching to learn’. The school was highly commended in the competition with pupil Murray Webster receiving Best Speaker and Christopher O’Leary winning Best Vote of Thanks.
The contest helps to encourage speaking and presentation skills in young people and showcases superb quality speakers. Taking place at Brentwood School, the judges looked at criteria such as team work, the speaker’s ability to present and develop a topic, and the chairperson’s management of the meeting.
Youngsters aged 11 – 17 take part in the competition each year, which takes place in four stages including local and regional heats before reaching the national final. It is designed to support and encourage the development of effective communications skills amongst young people.
Peter King, President of Rotary GBI, comments: “I was really impressed with all the teams’ hard work and their confidence when they took to the stage. They were all deserving of their place in the final, and I’d like to congratulate Colchester Royal Grammar School and The High School of Glasgow on their win.”
You can find more information on the Youth Speaks competition here.
