The second public speaking contest for Catholic primary schools in Somerset, sponsored by the West Somerset Circle of the Catenian Association, has taken place.
For a number of years, West Somerset Circle has sponsored a competition for the six primary schools within the Dunstan Partnership in Somerset.
In 2022, the first of the Public Speaking competition took place and was judged a huge success.
Following that success, on February 24th 2023, the second competition was held at St Joseph’s School, Bridgwater.
Helen Taylor, CEO of the Dunstan Partnership, opened the day with a welcome and introduction. Six competing schools presented, the theme being an aspect of Catholic teaching.
The participating schools were: St Joseph and St Teresa Catholic Primary School, Wells; St Gilda’s Catholic Primary School, Yeovil; Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Primary School, Wincanton; St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Bridgwater; St Joseph’s Catholic Primary and Nursery School, Burnham-on-Sea; Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School, Weston-super-Mare.
The Judges, two of whom adjudicated last year, were impressed by the quality of each presentation and agreed the children had significantly raised the bar demonstrating increased confidence, the ability to get their point across, analysis of the subject (so better knowledge) self esteem and a commitment to complete the task.
The winning school and winner of the Allan Paver Trophy was adjudged to be St Joseph’s, Burnham on Sea.
The successful pupils, in addition to the Allan Paver Trophy, were each awarded an engraved shield and a book token for £20 as well as a winning certificate. Each of the other 25 contestants was presented with a certificate to recognise their participation. The CEO of the Trust, Helen Taylor, made the presentations.
The representative from West Somerset Catenian Circle, Robert Bannister, thanked all the pupils for participating. He complimented them on the quality of the presentations and encouraged them to develop their inter-personal and communication skills.
Mr Bannister concluded by expressing his anticipation that some, or maybe all of them, would be competing next year when the number of participating schools is expected to rise to ten.