Primary pupils from Network CB23 schools show their public speaking skills on stage at Peterhouse, Cambridge
Children at a group of primary schools demonstrated their remarkable public speaking skills in the finals of a competition at Peterhouse, the University of Cambridge’s oldest college.
The Years 3-6 pupils – aged 7-11 – delivered individual speeches on stage in front of an audience of parents, teachers and university students on Thursday, January 19.
The event was organised by the Network CB23 group of schools, which brings together schools in the postcode to provide opportunities for collaboration.
Years 3 and 4 pupils were asked to speak about what season they would choose if they could only have one, with spring turning out to be a favourite for a number of them, not least because, as one child put it, it is the “Goldilocks season – not too hot, not too cold”.
Years 5 and 6 students were asked to explain who they would have lunch with if they could pick anyone, past or present. Authors, England women footballers, a refugee Olympian, Big Issue founder John Bird, the captain of the Titanic, grandmothers and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough were among those honoured with selection.
Karen Stanton, co-headteacher at Caldecote Primary, who initiated the Network CB23 contest, said: “The children are amazing – so articulate and confident.
“I am immensely proud that I play a small part in supporting children to have such a great opportunity to showcase their talents.
“The range of information in their speeches shows how thoughtful and well-read they are. They radiate optimism and hope for all our futures.”
The first contest was held in 2018 after Peterhouse responded to a request for support. It has been held each year since – with a virtual version during Covid.
“Historically, there have been many events that are centred around sport or academic achievement, so I wanted to create an event that celebrated a different skill set,” explained Mrs Stanton. “At Caldecote, we had held public speaking events for a few years and we saw the positive impact on children.”
This year, Barnabas Oley in Great Gransden, Bourn, Caldecote, Dry Drayton, Gamlingay, Jeavons Wood and Monkfield Park in Cambourne and Hardwick and Cambourne primaries took part, with Barnabas Oley being crowned overall school winner.
The winners
Years 3-4
- Winner: Maera – Haslingfield Endowed Primary School
- Runner-up: Luke – Barnabas Oley C of E Primary School, Great Gransden
Years 5-6
- Winner: Aiyana, Monkfield Park Primary School, Great Cambourne
- Runner-up: Rishabh, Bourn C of E Primary Academy
Overall school winner
- Barnabas Oley C of E Primary School, Great Gransden
Most schools involved hold heats within school to decide who will represent them.
A Peterhouse schools liaison officer offered an outline of what they are expecting and some tips on public speaking in advance of the final, which was judged by university students.
Afterwards Jack, one of the pupils involved from Monkfield Park, said: “I feel that public speaking is a very important skill and I loved the opportunity to practise it at a place like Peterhouse.”
