Year 9 Persuasive Speech Competition

On Thursday it was time again for the annual Year 9 Persuasive Speech Competition. This event is the culmination of weeks of hard work in English lessons, where every student in the year group researched, drafted, and performed an original speech to their peers.

The journey to the final was highly competitive; after performing in front of their respective classes, ten exceptional finalists were selected to go through to the final round held in the Blue Chair Hall, showcasing an incredible breadth of passion and intellect.

On Thursday morning, our final ten presented to a panel of expert judges, including Mr. Mason, Mrs. West, Miss Bennett, and a special guest judge: last year’s champion, Emily G.

Our finalists tackled some of the most pressing issues of the modern world, including the impact of social media and mobile phones on young people, the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI generative art, and the welfare of animals in circuses.

We are incredibly proud of every student who participated. The level of confidence and rhetorical skill displayed was truly inspiring, proving that our students are not only deep thinkers but powerful communicators.

After much deliberation, the judges are delighted to announce this year’s winners:

1st Place: Imogen D

2nd Place: Tabitha EP

3rd Place: Dinara D

Congratulations to our winners and to the entire Year 9 cohort for making their voices heard!