Many adults find it difficult to speak to a crowd – but the task is that much more daunting when you are a primary school child speaking to around 500 schoolmates and teachers.
However, it did not faze the finalists of the Upton Junior School, Broadstairs, public speaking competition who were in fine form addressing a packed hall.
Ten pupils representing Years 3 to 6 had already won through the heats process to represent their year group, putting forward passionate presentations about the importance of a multi-cultural diverse world.
The standard of performance was very high with impassioned well-researched two-minute speeches enthralling the audience and judges.
Pupils used slide shows and graphics, and even dressing up, to underpin their individual presentations.
After much deliberation the judges decided that Lily from Year 3, Angel from Year 5, and Leotie from Year 6 will represent Upton at the final that will also feature their Viking Academy Trust partner schools, Chilton Primary and Ramsgate Arts Primary in July.
Gemma Scarr, Head of Core Curriculum at Upton, is co-ordinating the Upton and VAT competitions. She said: “The children worked hard to get all their information and ideas together, and to present them in a way that hooked their audience.
“It is not an easy task to speak to hundreds of your peers and teachers. They were brave and courageous to take on the challenge. Each competitor will deservedly receive a certificate of commendation.”
Head of School Darci Arthur said: “I was very impressed with how the children performed and how they delivered their own ideas about a multi-cultural world. We all learnt a lot from their presentations which were excellent.
“I cannot wait to see the final that features all the VAT schools – it will be a tough competition I am sure.”