Students celebrate success at public speaking competition
West Hatch High School is celebrating success in the annual Worshipful Company of Educators public speaking competition.
West Hatch High School is celebrating success in the annual Worshipful Company of Educators public speaking competition.
The competition was held at Gresham College in the City of London on Monday (March 23) in front of Professors from Higher Education, Ofsted inspectors, Livery Masters and Head Teachers.
Year 10 student Nilofer Sait, 15, with her presentation entitled: Can politicians solve our immigration crisis? was awarded second place to a Year 11 student at the City of London School.
Nilofer, who receives a trophy and WH Smith voucher, said: "I am absolutely delighted. I have worked so hard to memorise the whole thing - but it was scary to be asked such difficult questions from the floor."
Judges praised Nilofer for having the bravery to speak without notes and from beyond the security of the lectern.
Ropa Gutu, 15, was also highly praised for her speech on Happiness with the judges explaining that she was in the top six with only three marks separating the top performing students.
She said: "It was an amazing experience to take part in something with such confident students from other schools.”
Caroline Haines, marketing manager at the Chigwell school, said: “West Hatch has built an excellent record in this prestigious competition.
"Along with activities like the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge such opportunities offer students a chance to meet like-minded students from other schools and to grow in self-confidence."
Both Nilofer and Ropa hope to take up further opportunities to develop their public speaking and debating skills.
PICTURE CAPTION
Ropa Gutu (left) and Nilofer Sait