On Tuesday, 24^th January thirty-one members of Year 10 participated in the Jack Petchey ‘Speak Out’ challenge.

The Jack Petchey Foundation was set up by Sir Jack Petchey to inspire and motivate young people across London and Essex to do their best and reach their full potential, especially in public speaking and having the confidence to stand up and speak in front of a group of people.

Working alongside the inspiring guidance from Ore Ogungbayi , who delivered the workshop, students had to prepare a one-minute speech on any topic of their choosing and they quickly created a whole variety of subjects to talk about: overcoming fears;  why school should start later in the day; the benefits of laziness; the importance of the creative arts and why dogs are superior to cats, to name but a few.

There were many nerves to overcome, but every single student stood up and spoke clearly and eloquently.

The round winners were: Imi B, Jamie C, Alex G, Oli M, Chiara L, Mae H, Imogen A, Cait C.

Also highly commended were Thomas C and Leyla P.