Speak Out Challenge 2024

On Thursday 27rd June, Chailey School competed against six other Sussex schools in the Speak Out Challenge Regional Final, held at Brighton Dome’s Studio Theatre.

Following the Speak Out Challenge workshop in October, and the subsequent assembly final where Isla and Stanley were selected as finalists to present their speeches at the Regional Final, this event was the emotionally-charged culmination of sustained practice, preparation, and dedication.

In addition to family, friends, and supporters cheering on the speakers, the twelve participants were also being watched by the judges. The six judges came from a range of different backgrounds and career paths, including two lecturers from Sussex University, the Schools Manager for Albion in the Community, and Kenny Tutt of Masterchef 2018 fame. In addition to the judges, the Mayor of Brighton, Councillor Mohammed Asaduzzaman, was also in attendance; he later expressed how moved he was by the bravery and passion of the young people in the competition.  Despite their diverse backgrounds, the judges were united in the message they gave to the students before they began their speeches: to speak from the heart, be themselves, and let their passion shine through.

This echoes the ethos of The Speaker’s Trust, whose aim is to find, encourage, and provide platforms for young people’s voices. The Speak Out Challenge is a truly empowering experience for young people who get to speak about a topic that, crucially, is important to them as individuals.

The topics the students had chosen ranged from the political - women’s rights, climate change, equality – to the more personal: the journey to confidence, embracing change, and even why a fork should be considered the best utensil!

Despite the fierce competition, we were so incredibly proud that Isla’s moving, impassioned speech was crowned the very well-deserved winner. Isla delivered her speech expertly, blending well-timed humour with hard-hitting statistics. She skilfully implored the audience to consider the way we view ourselves and others – and to use a kinder, less critical lens for both. Isla’s uplifting message denounced comparison and promoted acceptance, compassion, and self-love.

Stanley’s expertly crafted speech took the audience on a journey through the history, significance, and staying power of music. As a singer and musician himself, Stanley’s passion for the topic of music was clear to see as he extolled the virtues of music’s magical, transcendental hold on humans. Stanley’s poetic tribute to the power of music earned him third place in this tough competition.  

It was a privilege to see our Chailey students representing the school and embodying our school values of independence, creativity, and resilience. Both students remained calm and composed under the considerable pressure of the competition and presented inspiring messages in an engaging, articulate manner. We are so incredibly proud of their achievement.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4nD3RePgN4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLf2iT55QNs