We would like to thank Maureen Speller and Bernice Philbrick of the Devon & Exeter branch for the huge amount of work they have put into promoting the ESU’s Public Speaking Competition in recent months. The branch has strategically focussed its efforts on the less affluent, northern parts of the county, where students are traditionally less likely to have access to opportunities to develop their speaking and listening skills.
To further promote the competition, the branch also funded a Discover Your Voice workshop at St Cuthbert Mayne School near Torquay, and hosted a judge training session for the south-west region. Hosted by Maureen and former ESU Governor and experienced PSC judge and trainer, Roger Tilbury, this was widely attended by branch members and affiliated judges. ESU Branch Education Officer Matthew Christmas also attended and subsequent work with Roger and other attendees has led to an increased number of schools registering for the Public Speaking Competition for the first time in many years.
We are delighted to see these volunteer-led initiatives taking place which lead to greater engagement of schools with ESU programmes.
