Public Speaking

Year 6 Public Speaking competition

This year Northcote High School held the Grade 6 Public Speaking competition in the performing arts centre. The public speaking competition is based on the Plain English Speaking Award (or PESA) and gives students in year six the opportunity to write a speech on the same topic. The topic changes every year, and this year’s topic was ‘taken for granted’. It was very interesting to see so many different takes, especially from such young speakers. Public speaking takes a lot of courage, and is something even most adults struggle with, so every single student who got up in front of the crowd of over 50 people should be extremely proud. The quality of work from these students was truly incredible to witness. Congratulations to Gracie from Carlton North Primary School, who was this year’s winner. We had participants Alphington Primary, Bell Primary, Carlton North Primary, Fitzroy North and Northcote Primary schools.

Alex Wright, Year 9

International Student Public Speaking Competition

This term five of our International students in Year 10 participated in our International Student Public Speaking competition. 

Congratulations to Bijoy Gupta; Huiru Zhang (Fiona); Nguyen Hao Ban Do (Julia); Phan Gia Han Nguyen (Emmalyn) and Thi Xuan Oanh (Orlena).

The students showed great determination as they wrestled with the topic ‘taken for granted’ in a second language. The students all chose a different focus which kept the audience entertained. There were speeches about gender stereotypes, technology as well as friends and parents. 

We wish the students a happy return trip home for the holidays and then success with their studies in 2024!

Martin Ramsay and Jessica Osburn