Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge

On Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd April, 2025, some of our Year 10 students discovered their voices, with over 60 taking part in the transformative Jack Petchey ‘Speak Out Challenge’.

The intensive, full-day workshop empowered students to channel their passions into compelling speeches. The morning session focused on mastering delivery techniques to craft persuasive arguments, and students embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. The afternoon saw a flurry of creativity, as students wrote and delivered speeches that captivated their peers.

Topics were incredibly varied and reflected their interests, from ‘If you could change one thing about yourself, what would you change?’ by Malakhi to ‘Are Criminals Born or Made?’ by Anaya. All students spoke with a confidence beyond their years.

Max, 10, said: “Taking part in the speaking challenge has been extremely valuable for not only developing our confidence when speaking in public, but also to help prepare us for the speaking element of GCSE English.”

Beyond the positive student feedback, particularly regarding preparation for English Speaking Exams, the most significant outcome was the surge in confidence. Our students didn't just learn to speak; they learned to be heard.