Published on: 13 June 2019




Last week, 200 students from Years 5 and 6 took part in the annual Speakers’ Challenge. Each student delivered a speech in class on a range of topics including human psychology, lucid dreams, ‘Dad Jokes’, little brothers, parents and texting.

Twelve boys were selected as finalists to deliver a speech in the Chapel on Friday to an audience comprising of the entire Year 5/6 cohort. The calibre of speeches this year was described as exemplary, and it was difficult for our judges to select three finalists.

“The Speakers’ Challenge is a great way to introduce boys to Public Speaking and Debating,” explains Preparatory School Teacher, Mrs Sally MacKinnon.

“In the safety of their classrooms, each boy can develop his confidence and learn how to craft a speech that will be entertaining and interesting.”

“Most of the boys commented that they delivered a speech better than they expected and enjoyed the buzz of speaking before a captive audience.”

“They had to project their voice in a very large space and they all did a marvellous job. The boys were also reminded to listen carefully and respond to each speech appropriately. Being a polite member of an audience is an important life skill.”

Congratulations to Max Harrison (6SM), Ari Fisher (5JG) and Lawson Kirby (5JJ) who will now represent Christ Church Grammar School at the Year 5/6 IPSHA Speakers’ Challenge being held at Scotch College on 3 July.