Year 6 pupils from Christ the King Catholic School in Amesbury have been crowned overall winners of the Catenians Public Speaking Competition.
The pupils – Charlie, Faith, Ruby, Lucia and Kai – represented their school at the inter-school event and returned home with both individual trophies and the Allan Paver Trophy for their school.
Speech Focused on Dignity and Inclusion
The competition invites pupils to work in small groups to prepare and deliver speeches based on elements of Catholic social teaching and how these values are reflected in their everyday lives.
After preparing their speeches in class, the Christ the King team was selected to represent the school at the event, which took place at St Catharine’s Catholic Church in Frome.
The pupils chose “dignity” as the focus of their presentation. As part of their speech, they incorporated Makaton signing to demonstrate how their school supports inclusivity for pupils with different needs.
Their presentation impressed the judging panel and secured the overall win.
Supported by School and Trust
The team was supported by their Year 6 teacher Miss Grieve, teaching assistant Miss Rossall, and Helen Taylor, CEO of the Dunstan Catholic Educational Trust.
Headteacher Sophie Short praised the pupils for their achievement.
“We are incredibly proud of our winning team,” she said.
“They overcame nerves and stage fright to deliver a confident, thoughtful presentation on dignity, showing how our school values inclusivity and respect. Their achievement reflects the hard work and collaboration of the whole team.”
Celebrating Confidence and Teamwork
Helen Taylor also congratulated the pupils and all those who took part in the competition.
“A huge well done to the winning Christ the King team and all the other young speakers,” she said.
“Their confidence, teamwork and thoughtful presentation really demonstrate the values we champion across the trust.”
Christ the King Catholic School is part of the Dunstan Catholic Educational Trust and aims to foster confidence, respect and responsibility in pupils while encouraging them to contribute positively to their communities.
