Primary School Stage 3 Oracy Showcase

At SCEGGS, we believe every voice matters. No two voices are the same and each voice has something different to say. We encourage the girls to use their voices to share their opinions, collaborate effectively, think critically, and strengthen their relationships. In doing so, we provide every opportunity for them to become confident and articulate members of the school and wider community.

Recently, in the Primary School, we held the inaugural Stage 3 Oracy Showcase, What Matters? This question was the catalyst for all girls in Years 5 and 6 to think about the things that matter to them. This may have been a concern they have, an issue about which they were passionate or something that inspired them. They were then tasked with writing a 3-minute speech which they later delivered to their class.

In doing so, the girls were asked to consider three important aspects of presentational talk: manner, matter, and method. The girls needed to think about their voice projection, expression, and stance. They also needed to present a clear message, ensuring a balance between personal anecdotes and broader big-picture thinking and between tugging at the audience’s heartstrings and cold hard facts. Finally, the girls needed to consider how to organise what they were saying to ensure the speech flowed well. These aspects of delivering an effective speech were considered by both class teachers and judges in selecting the eight finalists and ultimately winner of the showcase.

Congratulations to Anna Slack, Anja Baker, Alice Cameron and Lily Withers in Year 6 and Wavy Ellis, Ella Ungur, Anara Murugesan and Matilda Reuss in Year 5 who presented on the day. All girls spoke confidently and passionately about what mattered to them. Well done to Anja Baker who spoke about human rights and was named winner and Alice Cameron who received Highly Commended for her speech on the role animals can play in supporting and enriching learning.  A special thank you also to our judges, Ms Elizabeth Walsh, our Primary Speech Teacher, and Cissy Watson and Lila Eversgerd from the Secondary School.

Kristy Wiliams
Acting Curriculum Co-ordinator (English K-6)