18th July 2024

Public Speaking Event

On Tuesday 9th July, two of All Hallows’ Year 9 pupils, Ruby and Jane, took part in the Archdiocese of Liverpool’s Secondary School Improvement Trust’s Public Speaking Event at St John Rigby College Sixth Form College. The girls competed against over twenty students from St Bede’s Catholic High School, Saints Peter and Paul Catholic High School, Holy Cross Catholic High School, St Peter’s Catholic High School, Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Engineering College, St Mary’s Catholic High School (Leyland) and St Mary’s Catholic High School (Astley). The overall aim of the competition was to promote presentation and communication skills, as these skills are so important in life and future careers. Prior to the competition, students were allocated a pre-determined topic chosen by the organisers. Topics included ‘Public transport should be free for everyone’, ‘Great Britain is still great’ and ‘We cannot save the planet if we continue to eat meat.’ Students then had two months to research, write and practise the memorisation and performance of their speech – no easy task!

The judges, Deacon Paul Mannings (Archdiocese of Liverpool), Mike Preston (Pearson Examination Board), Catherine Oldham (Eduqas Examination Board) and Jean Reynard (Guest judge) were overwhelmed by the confidence, knowledge and talent of the students delivering their speeches. Chief Judge, Deacon Paul Mannings, praised the students adding “A resounding thank you to all the students and their supporters for attending today. Students used seriousness as a strength and when using humour made sure this was not a performance, but a reflection of their best selves. Oral communication are the two key words today with all speakers showing that this skill is alive and well in our schools.’

The standard of the competition was very high, making the final decision a difficult choice for the judges. However, after some deliberation, Ruby Lupton was crowned the winner with her speech ‘High school is the best time of your life’. Making All Hallows Catholic High School the Liverpool Archdiocese East Public Speaking Competition Champions of 2024 and bringing home the much-coveted trophy to All Hallows for the very first time. Second place went to Hannah Mathews from St Peter’s Catholic High School, with third place taken by Isabella Cross from Holy Cross Catholic High School. Mrs Cairns, Second in English, who is responsible for the organisation of the competition within school added ” Both girls wrote exceptionally persuasive speeches, with Jane receiving special recognition from the judges for her presentation skills. It was a tough competition, not for the fainthearted, and Ruby was triumphant in her delivery and gracious in her win. It was also the first time All Hallows has ever won this competition, which is again another reason to celebrate Ruby’s amazing achievements.

Partnership Director Paul Greenall added, ‘Thank you to all our teachers who helped with the preparation of this event and for all students taking part who have had the courage and self-belief to deliver their speeches today. One of the topics today was ‘High school is the best time of your life’ and we certainly hope you remember your achievement today in years to come. Well done to you all!’

Well done to Ruby and Jane.