In a world increasingly homogenised by AI, the importance of oracy skills is undeniable as young people find a way to differentiate themselves and build human connection. The role that schools play in ensuring that children can communicate confidently and effectively is essential.
This week, in our annual Higher Project Qualification (HPQ) event inspired by the Sidcot ‘What Matters?’ theme of Being Curious, our Academic scholars delivered presentations and answered unseen questions on topics ranging from such diverse topics as ‘Do our dogs understand us?’ to the psychology of dreams, from questioning the world of work in light of AI, to the evolution of school over the past century, or linking the decline in reading to teenagers’ mental health. The full list of subject choices included:
- Alex, Year 7 – Axolotl
- James, Year 7 – Eight-Legged Einstein
- Oli, Year 7 – The Science of Dreams
- Teasel, Year 7 – Stitched Up: Child Labour in Fashion
- Nell, Year 7 – The Impact of Dementia
- Toby, Year 7 – The Evolution of School
- Tom, Year 8 – The Limits to Growth
- Michael, Year 8 – Why We Could Solve World Hunger, but We Won’t
- Ruby, Year 8 – Do Dogs Understand Us?
- Seb, Year 8 – The Science Behind Mark Watney's Survival
- Esme, Year 9 – How Does the Decline of Reading Books Affect Teenagers' Mental Health?
- Peter, Year 9 – How Is AI Changing the Job Market?
- Toby, Year 9 – Languages: Why Are They Important?
- Chloe, Year 9 – Does the K-pop Industry Abuse Their Idols?
- Liv, Year 9 – Is Everyone Really Equal?
Judges were impressed by the depth of research on display and the skill with which the scholars navigated the questioning from the audience. A special mention to Teasel, who won the event among very stiff competition.
The HPQ event is just a part of a long tradition of public speaking at Sidcot School, including the prestigious Dymond Speech competition, which was most recently judged by Tessa Munt MP.
A focus on building oracy skills begins at Sidcot Junior School, where students are encouraged to present during ‘Show and Tell’ sessions in the younger years, and to deliver presentations to classmates on set topics in J6.
To hear our students presenting at our upcoming Open Morning on Friday 25 September, please register here: