Congratulations to all the children who took part in the Ouse Valley Junior Public Speaking Competition, organised entirely over Zoom by the Ouse Valley Branch. Ten schools participated in two separate contests, with topics ranging from fake news, nuclear weapons and the importance of exploring space, to artificial intelligence, abolishing exams/tests and surveillance cameras as deterrents to bullying. The standard was exceptionally high and every speaker was well prepared, passionate about their subject and answered questions reflectively and capably.
All of the speakers – including the reserves – felt that using Zoom was less frightening than being in an auditorium with a live audience – not so most of the adults involved! Huge thanks go to Ellen Punter for organising the competition; to the parents, carers, teachers and TAs who encouraged the children and acted as their technical support; and to the judges: Erica Lester, Brian Cooke, Louis Preston, Barbara Doyle, Glenys Stirk, Steven Gray and Rebecca Punter – our Zoom admin host and unexpectedly the MC for part of one competition when a technical glitch struck.
Pictured above are the winners and runners-up. From left: Lily (runner-up, Wilden VA Primary School), George (winner, Brickhill Primary School), Effieh (winner, Scott Primary School) and Marta (runner-up, Priory Primary School).
Cauldwell Primary School, their speaker Lakshmi and reserves, Isaiah, Emily, Georgia and Elijah receiving their participation certificates with teacher Mr. Redley
Goldington Green Academy speaker Arfan and his participation certificate and prize
Livingstone Primary speaker Rosie and reserve Emma receiving their participation certificates with teaching staff Mrs Dyas and Mrs Lara
Queens Park Academy speaker Summayah and reserves, Luna and Inez with teacher Ms. Richardson
Hazeldene Primary speaker Martha receiving her participation certificate and prize from competition organiser Mrs. Punter
Eileen Wade Primary speaker Isabelle presenting teacher Mrs. Harrison with a thank you gift
