Topics ranged from ‘The Need to Disconnect from Instagram’ to ‘Incitements to Rebellion’ to a comical contemplation of ‘A World without Legs’.

In an end of year that has been chokka full of events, it was good to make sure the juniors had their chance to compete and celebrate in the annual Junior Speech Competition on Tuesday. Every junior English student prepares and presents a speech in class for assessment over the year, with each class typically offering at least one representative for the competition as a finale.

The value of addressing this greatest adult fear – public speaking – early in the students’ lives is real and noticeable (as well as highly entertaining) with self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment from personal courage and ‘can-do’ all emanating from the experience.

Students and staff alike enjoyed the two-hour competition in a lively and engaged atmosphere, with new insights into numerous students revealed. A good time had by all.