St PetersCE Primary School

Confidence grows when children are encouraged to speak up and share what matters to them. That’s why our annual Speech & Poetry Competitions play such an important role at St Peter’s, offering pupils a platform to express their ideas and use their voices with pride.

Each year, every child takes part by preparing either a speech on a topic they care deeply about or a performance of a poem that inspires them. This process encourages pupils to think critically, communicate clearly, and speak with conviction — skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom.

The journey begins within each class, where children present their speeches or poetry readings to their peers. Classmates then vote for the performance that resonated most with them, selecting a representative to move forward to the year‑group finals. These finalists compete in front of their year groups, showcasing an impressive range of ideas, passions, and interpretations.

The excitement builds as the winners from each year group progress to the whole‑school final, held in the hall. This special event is judged by invited guests, including community members and even our local MP John Glen. Their presence reinforces the value of pupil voice and highlights the importance of confident communication in public life.

These competitions are more than a celebration of speaking and performance — they are a celebration of growth. Pupils learn to articulate their thoughts, listen respectfully to others, manage nerves, and take pride in their achievements. By giving children meaningful opportunities to speak up and be heard, we nurture independence, resilience, and self‑belief.