Leek Post & Times

Magnificen­t seven heading to top uni to have their say

Public speaking competitio­n sees pupils through after regional finals win

- By David Broome david.broome@reachplc.com

A GROUP of Moorlands pupils are heading to Cambridge University next month for the national final of a public speakinmg competitio­n.

Cheadle Academy’s Public Speaking team have reached the final of the prestigiou­s Esu-churchill Public Speaking Competitio­n, to be held on Sunday, May 8 at the famous Cambridge University.

This is the largest such contest in England and Wales, with around 400 teams (each comprising a speaker, questioner and a chairperso­n).

The different roles allow students to practise and excel in different skill sets, and the competitio­n’s unique format, which pairs the speaker from one school with the chair and questioner of another, encourages quick thinking and relationsh­ip building.

Most of all, it is fun, and a great way for students to develop their oracy skills in a friendly, supportive environmen­t.

After being successful during rounds one and two, the team went to Birmingham to compete in the regional finals.

And again the team were the worthy winners of that round and have now progressed to the national final.

A school spokespers­on said: “The

prestigiou­s England and Wales-wide competitio­n is highly motivating for students and the school as a whole in a non-adversaria­l format which emphasises cooperatio­n and presentati­on skills.

“It also challenges students to engage with wide-ranging cross-curricular topics, while helping to meet National Curriculum speaking and listening

targets while encouragin­g confidence, critical thinking and social mobility, broadening students’ horizons and opportunit­ies.

“The Cheadle Academy are extremely proud of their team of Sian Day, Fern Ratcliffe, Matthew Wallace, Callum Smith, Emily Burndred and Maddison Brindley.

“This team have gone from being in

the initial 400 teams to the last six in the country.

The competitio­n has been extremely stiff, from a huge range of schools, but also done in an exemplary spirit and the team have had an outstandin­g journey so far.

“The Cheadle Academy could not be more proud of the students and the way they have represente­d the school.”

 ?? ?? The Cheadle Academy’s Sian Day, Fern Ratcliffe, Matthew Wallace, Callum Smith, Emily Burndred and Maddison Brindley.
The Cheadle Academy’s Sian Day, Fern Ratcliffe, Matthew Wallace, Callum Smith, Emily Burndred and Maddison Brindley.

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