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Year 11 students win 2nd place in nationwide English speaking competition

Congratulations to Year 11 students Maxwell Duncan, Izzy Marston and Florence McGrath who achieved a fantastic result in the English Speaking Union's UK Public Speaking Competition, which was held at Churchill College, University of Cambridge on Saturday 22nd April. Participating in the largest public speaking competition in the country for Key Stage 3 and 4 students, the team won 2nd place out of the 400 teams who originally entered. 

Each team consisted of three students - a Chairman, a Questioner and a Speaker, with each role demanding different but complementary skills. During each round of the competition, the Chairman and Questioner from one school were randomly selected to present with the Speaker from another school. The speaker talked on a pre-agreed topic for a maximum of five minutes.  Our year 11 winners chose to speak about the Winston Churchill quote “We make a living by what we get, yet we make a life by what we give”.

During their allocated time, each team had to articulate their argument and demonstrate a wide knowledge of their subject. The questioner then took over, challenging the speaker on points within their speech or seeking clarification or further details. The chairman's role was to open and close proceedings, introduce their team, manage questions from both the questioner and the audience, and keep things running to time.

Particular congratulations go to Maxwell, who was awarded 'Best Personality' and Florence who won the 'Best Questioner' award.

Well done to all team members on this tremendous success, and thanks to Head of English, Mr Land, who supported the students through each stage of the competition.

Please follow link below to find more information about this competition:

http://www.esu.org/

 

 

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18th June

Pupil journalist Sam B secures national 'Student Voices' award

Our  talented pupil, Sam B, Year 9, has been named one of just five winners nationwide in the prestigious ' The Day's Student Voices Young Journalist Awards 2026. Sam B clinched the honour with a compelling, insightful opinion piece titled, “Life Isn't All Sunshine And Rainbows But It's Not Doom And Gloom Either.” The competition judges praised the passion, positivity and exceptional eloquence of Sam’s writing. As part of the winner's package, the article was officially published on The Day’s global Student Voices platform on 15th June, alongside the national announcement of the competition winners. Sam’s award-winning article takes critical aim at the modern media landscape, arguing that mainstream platforms rely on sensationalism and fear to drive reader engagement. The piece contrasts historical anxieties with today's relentless news cycle, which feeds on global catastrophes. While acknowledging real hardships, Sam warns that constant access to bleak updates is mentally exhausting and traps younger generations in a false sense of hopelessness.  Far from advocating for purposeful ignorance, Sam urges readers to stay informed while remembering how far humanity has progressed. The essay highlights that we are living in a golden age of technology and medical achievement.  Ultimately, the award-winning piece serves as a powerful reminder of humanity's inherent resilience and proven ability to thrive in the face of adversity. As Sam beautifully concludes, "It's important to keep positive, because whatever happens, humans always adapt and never lose hope." The entire St Clement Danes community extends its warmest congratulations to Sam on this incredible achievement