Harrodians are known for their articulacy and confidence. Our annual Public Speaking Competition provides the perfect opportunity for pupils in our 8s to 13s to live up to the billing.
In all the years of our Public Speaking Competition, no pupil has ever suffered a case of severe stage fright and refused to take part. On the contrary, most of them relish the opportunity to openly share their ideas and thoughts on a topic they feel passionately about, as Kitty, a runner-up in her 9s class explains, ‘I love the public speaking competition because it gives me the chance to research a subject that I really care about and that I might not normally have the chance to study at school.’
I love the public speaking competition because it gives me the chance to research a subject that I really care about and that I might not normally have the chance to study at school.
Kitty, 9s pupil
Public speaking is a key part of the English curriculum for our 8s to 13s pupils and a Spoken Language Endorsement, is also now a required component of GCSE English Language that our 13s pupils have to prepare for. There are good reasons for this according to Harrodian Head of English, Ms Lucy Thomas. 'We feel it is important to teach not just reading and writing but spoken communication as well,' she says. 'Being able to express yourself articulately is a fundamental life skill that needs to be nurtured throughout a child's education.’
We feel it is important to teach not just reading and writing but spoken communication as well - being able to express yourself articulately is a fundamental life skill that needs to be nurtured throughout a child's education.
Lucy Thomas, Head of English
Ms Beccy Edge (8s Form Teacher and Key Stage 2 English Co-ordinator) is also keen to point out the value of teaching public speaking skills at an early age. 'One of the amazing things about the Public Speaking Competition is that we start preparing the children from the 8s,' she says. 'This ensures that all the children have the opportunity and time to develop into confident, expressive individuals; qualities that lie at the heart of our school ethos.'
One of the amazing things about the Public Speaking Competition is that we start preparing the children from the 8s. This ensures that all the children have the opportunity and time to develop into confident, expressive individuals.
Rebecca Edge, Lower Prep English Co-ordinator and 8s Form Teacher
In 2021, the Public Speaking competition took place online due to Covid and remote schooling. But despite the success of last year's screened event, it was refreshing to see a return to the usual face-to-face format. 'It felt special to all be back in the Theatre,' says Ms Thomas. 'It adds a greater sense of ceremony to what is always a much-anticipated Harrodian event.'
As in previous (non-Covid) years, every pupil in the 8s to 13s delivered speeches to their class and in turn listened to those of their peers. They then had to choose the best speaker to be their class representative in the competition. Once chosen, our finalists spoke onstage in front of an expert judging panel, as well as two entire year groups. The finalists’ passion for their subject really came across and the way in which they responded to unexpected questions from the audience with such clarity was equally impressive.
All the talks were of such high standard and covered a broad and creative range of topics. Some tackled big issues like euthanasia, animal testing, vegetarianism, fairtrade and feminism whilst others talked about subjects more personal to them, like a love of Italian food, the benefits of staying active or why Polzeath is one of greatest places to visit.
It felt special to all be back in the Theatre adding a greater sense of ceremony to this highly anticipated Harrodian event
Head of Harrodian English Lucy Thomas
On the judging panel a combination of Harrodian parents, Sixth Formers and staff, all with extensive public speaking experience, had the formidable task of choosing a winner and runners up in each of the three-age group categories. We would like to thank them all for giving up their time to judge the competitions and for offering their constructive and valuable feedback.
Our awarded winners and runners up were:
8s and 9s (Year 4/5)
Winner:
- Josephine L. (9KFI) - Why you should be vegetarian
Highly Commended:
- Kitty F. (8CMO) - Why we should be more active
Commended:
- Zac S. (8REG) - Why you should visit Polzeath
10s and 11s (Year 6/7)
Winner:
- Amber S. (11EHA) - Fairtrade and the real cost of what we are buying
Runner Up:
- Otta G. (11JGR) - Positivity and the importance of optimism
Highly Commended:
- Scarlett H. (10CEA) - Why euthanasia should be legalised
- Leela T. (11LCH) - Why we should protect honeybees
12s and 13s (Year 8/9)
Winners:
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Emily P. (13SMC) - The positive impact of the Kardashians
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Thomas R. (12BRO) - Why Italian food is the best
Runners Up:
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Emily S. (12HMC) - Daydreaming
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Alfie T. (13IOS) - Let's not bring back dinosaurs
Highly Commended:
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Grace Gibbon (12GCO) - Why we should celebrate diversity