North East Public Speaking Champions!
Tuesday 26 March 2024 | By Megan ConnorTeesside High School’s outstanding public speaking team has swept to victory in the regional round of the English-Speaking Union’s prestigious Churchill Public Speaking competition.
Max, Lou and Isaac, in Years 10 and 11, were crowned winners of the competition’s incredibly hard fought Regional Final, and will now go head-to-head with some of the country’s fiercest orators to represent the North East region in a National Final to be held at Cambridge University in May.
The ESU Churchill Public Speaking competition is the largest contest of its kind in England and Wales, and the THS team is just one of 12 still standing from over 400 schools who initially entered.
Mrs Kirsty Mackenzie, Head, said: “This is the first time in the school’s history that our pupils have made it down to the final 12 in this highly-regarded competition.
“A striking part of our school’s ethos is that we do not simply teach students to pass examinations – we strive for them to think creatively, explore diverse perspectives, learn to give and receive constructive feedback and express their ideas confidently both individually and within groups – attributes such as these are integral to success in the working world, and outstanding public speaking skills are no different.
“Everyone at THS wishes Max, Lou and Isaac the very best of luck as they represent Teesside and the North East region at the competition’s final at Cambridge. I am sure they will do themselves and the school very proud indeed.”
Public Speaking is just one activity offered as part of the school’s co-curricular programme. Find out more here.
