How do you persuade your head teacher to introduce a new subject to be taught in school?

This was the tough task for young competitors taking part in the annual Viking Academy Trust public speaking challenge.

The speakers had to deliver their convincing viewpoint lasting no longer than two minutes and they were not allowed props or slides.

Passionate performances covered a range of topics to be added to the timetable, including fashion design, hairdressing, extreme PE and self-defence.

Their performances were judged on content and ideas, clarity, expression and audience engagement.

Each school from across the Trust – Upton Juniors in Broadstairs, Chilton Primary and Ramsgate Arts Primary – had already held in-house competitions to find their finalists. Four children were chosen to represent each school – two from Year 3/4 and two from Year5/6.

Chilton’s Deputy Head of School Hannah Cheshire co-ordinated the challenge. She said: “This was a magnificent display of mature public speaking skills from children so young. Everyone present was blown away at the talent on show – we all agreed that this was the highest standard we have ever seen in the competition which has always set the bar high.”

Judges gave positive feedback and congratulated every participant for the way they put across their speeches. Such was the high standard of entries that picking the best was a difficult task. After much deliberation the results were announced.

In the Year 3/4 category first place went to Imogen from Upton, with Lois from Chilton second, and third spot went to Robyn from Upton.

The Year 5/6 section was won by Willow from Ramsgate Arts Primary. Second place was Hugo from RAPS and Esme from Upton was third. All participants received a commemorative certificate and badge.

The four judges included Trust governors and trustees and the head of Year 7 at Marlowe Academy, Ramsgate, where the competition was again held in the school’s main auditorium.

Michaela Lewis, Executive Head Teacher of the Viking Academy Trust, was highly impressed. She said: “Once again the ability of our children continues to shine through in this competition. The speeches were passionate, compelling and dazzling in their own special ways.

“It is a fantastic testament to the oracy skills that we develop at our schools - we recognise the impact that the art of speaking and listening has on the life chances of our children.

“Every competitor in the final and in the heats deserves the fullest praise. It is a tough challenge to stand up and make a presentation in front of an audience.

“The content, style and performance of each speech showed how determined and enthusiastic each pupil was to really engage with the audience and convince the judges with their choice for a new subject to be added to the timetable.”

Each of the Trust schools embraces the development of oracy skills of talking and listening, as a central part of the ongoing literacy drive. Communication and inter-personal skills breed self-confidence and are vital for pupils on their educational pathways into adulthood.