Articles

The Crest Academies celebrate teenagers’ articulacy

Press release

You Speak

The Crest Academies celebrate teenagers’ articulacy

18 February 2013

The Crest Academies organised and held the first national You Speak competition.

Students representing seven academies from all over England came together on 14 February 2013 at the Sattavis Paditar Advait Centre in Wembley for a public speaking contest.

On the morning, the contestants and their teachers took part in a tour of Wembley Stadium.  For some of the competitors, this was their first trip to London, and all of them enjoyed the experience.

After lunch, the competition began in earnest.  The participants each spoke for three minutes on a topic they felt passionately about; subjects ranged from body image to the death penalty and all of the students spoke confidently and clearly. 

Between speeches, the audience was entertained by an array of highly polished performances by students from The Crest Academies, including Indian dancing, African drumming and a dramatic portrayal of a scene from the play, ‘Blood Brothers’.

After a tense wait, the judges, Yvonne Thompson, CBE, Chris Balderstone, Director of Legal Services and Company Secretary, E-ACT and Alan McLoughlin, Principal Design Manager at Wates Group, announced their decision.

This was a unique opportunity afforded by The Crest Academies being part of the EACT group.  And The Crest Academies didn’t leave the competition empty handed.  Cashauna Holland from The Crest Girls’ Academy in Neasden was highly commended for her speech.  The judges commented on how clearly and passionately Cashauna presented.

Hayam Fahmi, a Year 7 student from the Crest Girls’ Academy, who was in the audience said: “The speeches were so interesting and I learned a lot of new things.  I also enjoyed the performances, particularly the street dancers.  They were very exciting – I wish I could dance like that!”

Paolina Webber, who organised the event said:  “This has been a fantastic experience!  I am delighted that we have been able to bring young people together and to provide them with a showcase for their talents.  Teenagers are often criticised, but today’s competition shows what they are capable of and proves that they are able to express their opinions in a highly articulate way.”

Notes for editors

• For further information or to arrange an interview, contact Paolina Webber – Crest Girls’ Academy, on 020 8452 4842 or see the Crest Girls’ Academy website:  www.thecrestgirlsacademy.org.uk
• John Kelly Girls’ Technology College became the Crest Girls’ Academy and John Kelly Boys’ Technology College became the Crest Boys’ Academy on 1 September 2009. • The Crest Girls’ Academy has specialist status for languages and technology. The Crest Boys’ Academy has specialist status for mathematics and technology.
• E-ACT currently sponsors 31 academies and free schools across England.
• For further information regarding E-ACT:  www.e-act.org.uk