From oracy workshops to the big stage
Our enthusiastic young orators took centre stage at Leicester’s The Y Theatre in May, performing at our annual Lionheart Speaks event – a Trust-wide initiative that gives pupils the platform to deliver powerful speeches to a live audience, on a range of topics.
For the third year in succession, pupils from across Lionheart’s schools attended enriching workshops hosted by oracy charity, Talk the Talk. During these workshops, participants from Year 5 through to Year 12 were taught the intricacies of public speaking, exploring the power of the spoken word and how to use their voices to promote positive change.
Inspired by these sessions, pupils selected topics they felt strongly about, many of which stemmed from Lionheart’s Global Issues Curriculum taught in schools. Following in-school selection of the very best speeches (a hard task for all involved!), pupils then bravely performed these topics to friends, family, trustees and teachers at Leicester’s oldest theatre.
Pupils spoke about compelling topics - including, plastic pollution, climate change, sexism, war and ADHD - all with impressive maturity.
In a wonderful display of collaboration across the Trust, Lionheart’s young learners performed two stunning ensemble pieces. Our primary learners recited Pat A. Fleming’s timeless poem ‘What Life Should Be’ before those in Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 performed ‘Still I Rise’ by Maya Angelou.
This event continues to be a key part of our extracurricular offering, providing learners with a unique opportunity to improve their confidence and develop holistically.
With thanks to Stevensons for their generous donation of T-shirts for all participating pupils.
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Lionheart Educational Trust