Gaynes School

13.05.10

Havering youngsters make themselves heard in Jack Petchey's "SPEAK OUT" Challange! 2009/10

Alex Oliver aged 15 from Gaynes School, scooped top prize in the Havering final of Jack Petchey's 'Speak Out' Challenge! 2009/10, held at Reddens Court School on Thursday 13th May 2010.

Alex's speech on his chosen subject, 'Historical Empires of the world,' won him an iPod touch and a chance to go through to the Gala Grand Final of the Speak Out Challenge! on July 9th 2010.

Run by SpeakersBank, part of the Speakers Trust charity, Jack Petchey's "Speak Out" Challenge! is the biggest public speaking event of its kind in the world. Initial rounds are taking place in over 550 schools across London and Essex.

18 schools in Havering took part which involved 750 year 10 students, who all received a full day of training in public speaking and effective communication. The strongest from each school went forward to a final of 18 students speaking out passionately about issues important to them.

Runner up was Zac Zenosos age 15 from Redden Court - our host school this year - with his subject 'Late Buses and third was Jonathan Tubb, age 15 from St Edward's Schooll with his title 'Grow Up'.

Judges included; Andrew Rosindell, Conservative MP for Havering and Peter Stremes, Managing Director of Time FM

Paul Rochford - Councillor, Skills and Young People said:- 'An outstanding event of which Petchey, Havering and all involved can rightly be proud. It certainly lifted my spirit. Simply Inspirational'
The Deputy Mayor Councillor Marvin Wallace and Andrew Rosindell MP for Romford presented the prizes.

Winner Alex said: "I am absolutely thrilled! I really didn't expect to win as I thought there were several speeches better than mine. I do very much hope to be selected for the Grand Final In July - Thank you."

Sponsored by the Jack Petchey Foundation and now in its fifth year, up to 20,000 young people are expected to compete for over £25,000 worth of prizes in this year's final. For further details visit www.speakoutchallenge.com

To view the video go to http://speakoutchallenge.com/pages/eastlondonvideos - Scroll down to Winners Havering - 13th May 2010 - Redden Court School

Update: Alex Oliver has been selected to represent the Borough and the school at the Jack Petchey Grand National Final on the 9th July.