Pupils from various primary schools gathered on March 4, 2023, at the Lynn Corn Exchange for the annual West Norfolk Academies Trust Primary Literary Event. This event, held in conjunction with World Book Day, provided a platform for students to enhance their public speaking abilities while discussing the importance of reading.
Public Speaking Takes Center Stage
Now in its sixth year, the event featured teams of Year 5 students from schools within the West Norfolk Academies Trust, including Clenchwarton, Gaywood, Heacham Junior, Snettisham, Walpole Cross Keys, and West Lynn. Additionally, students from the Windmill Primary Federation, including Terrington St John, Tilney St Lawrence, Walpole Highway, and West Walton, participated in the celebration of literature.
Each team comprised three pupils who were tasked with delivering a five-minute presentation on various themes related to reading. According to Emma Hunt, primary English lead at the trust, “The first pupil introduces the speaker to provide the audience with a little background; the main speaker then has approximately three minutes to deliver their views on the team’s chosen topic; the final team member then delivers the vote of thanks.”
Engaging Topics Spark Discussion
This year’s discussions revolved around several thought-provoking questions, including whether children should reread favorite books or explore new titles, and how stories can help children understand real-world issues better than factual information. Other topics included the significance of illustrations in books for older children and the importance of representation in literature.
The event attracted an audience comprising fellow pupils, teachers, trustees, and officials from the trust, all of whom supported the teams in preparing their speeches and rehearsals. Hunt highlighted the value of such literary events, stating, “They give children valuable opportunities to build confidence and communication skills.”
She further elaborated, “Preparing and delivering a presentation encourages pupils to organize their ideas clearly, structure their thoughts, and express them in a way that engages an audience.” This practice not only enhances communication skills but also fosters a deeper appreciation for literature.
Participating in events beyond the school setting provides students with social and personal benefits, allowing them to meet peers from different schools and gain diverse perspectives. Hunt noted, “Engaging with a wider group of students can broaden their horizons, build resilience, and encourage a healthy sense of collaboration and friendly competition.”
As the event concluded, awards were presented to the participating teams, celebrating their achievements and hard work. The atmosphere was filled with applause and smiles, reflecting the enthusiasm of both the participants and the audience. The event underscored the importance of reading and the skills gained through public speaking, enriching the educational experience for all involved.
