Public Speaking

Public Speaking at Queen Ethelburga’s

There are plenty of opportunities for students to boost their confidence and practise public speaking at Queen Ethelburga’s.

Activities begin in Key Stage 3 and increase as students move to one of the two senior schools.

Queen Ethelburga's pupil speaking to an audience

Plenty of opportunities for students to boost their confidence and practise public speaking at Queen Ethelburga’s.
School Competition In Key Stage Three

The English Department’s Public Speaking competition is a great opportunity to try public speaking, making a speech to an audience on a topic of your choice.

It’s a fantastic introduction to public speaking before students choose their Super-Curricular activities in Key Stage 4 and 5.

 

National Competitions For Key Stage Four And Five

There are national public speaking competitions to enter almost every month. Here are a just a few from 2023:

Ethics Cup
Promotes an interest in Philosophy among secondary school students by awarding those who thoughtfully debate on an ethical issue of public concern.
Cambridge Union Schools’ Debating
Compete against hundreds of talented debaters from across the globe.
English Speaking Union
Churchill Public Speaking Competition – Join forces with other students to compete against 400 other teams.
Oxford Schools Debating Competition
Compete in a debating competition where the finalists have the honour of debating at the historic Oxford Union (one of the most prestigious debating societies in the world).
Channel 4 Pitch a Programme
Unleash your creative side by pitching a TV show to a Channel 4 Commissioner.
ISA Public Speaking and Debating
Compete against other independent schools in a public speaking competition.

Develop Your Public Speaking Skills

For senior school students there are opportunities to practise both during the day and after-school. Debating, Linguistics Club, Philosophy Club, and Leadership Pathway are all great ways to build speaking skills and confidence.

Students can also achieve the Archbishop’s Young Leaders Award to develop skills in leading others and working in a team.