Public Speaking. Curro Aurora Public Speaking returned with a #bluepride roar in 2022. A total of 10 teams participated in the Speech and Drama Festival! They had a very competitive season. The learners engaged their audiences by making analytical, relevant, and interesting commentary on the world in which we exist.
The Grade 8 Public Speaking event and the Grade 12 Trophy Team event were successfully managed by Aurora’s Masters of Ceremonies. Achumile Koyana and Kayuri Thamburan, have been involved in Public Speaking in the High School since Grade 8. These experienced speakers entertained the audience, and successfully managed two events. They received high praise from both adjudicators, who gushed over these two passionate speakers’ abilities to be sincere, spontaneous and to captivate the audience with their commentary! Thank you to these accomplished ladies for their focus and care in managing these events.
Grade 8
The grade 8 Public Speaking Teams spoke at Curro Aurora, on the 23rd of February.
Team 1: Although they accidentally broke one of the biggest rules in Public Speaking, Megan Ras (chair speaker), Mia van Achterbergh, Christian St John-Ayre and Sayuri Naidoo all managed to get a collective B for the event. Each speaker spoke wonderfully and showed their distinct speaking styles. They showcased a mature perspective into topics that varied between being paranoid to being fatalistically optimistic.
Team 2: While speaking under time, team 2 managed to wrangle an A for their stellar performance and distinct stage energy. Cohen Sewnarain (Chair speaker), Sivatho Koyana, Kyra Meinecke and Katie Manuel spoke wonderfully. Each of their speeches were delivered in a way that radiated positivity and a love for life.
Grade 9
The Grade 9s spoke at Randpark High on the 1st of March. The adjudicator expressed her appreciation for being a part of such an excellent level of public speaking at grade 9 level. She further highlighted the maturity and flair in how our learners spoke. She said it had been one of the best experiences she has had in a while. The learners really made an impact on her. It proves how the learners really have some very important things to say.
Team 1: The first team addressed the topic “I have standards – I don’t plan on lowering for anyone, including myself,” – American actress and activist Zendaya. The learners focused on the importance of taking a holistic approach to setting standards for oneself. The team explored the concepts of paving your own path and exercising kindness towards others and yourself. Also having a clear view of who you are. They argued that this is necessary in order to avoid being negatively impacted by our need to succeed. They achieved an amazing A+.
Team 2: Team 2 addressed the topic of “Life is unfair, it’s fine, it’s racing,” – race car driver, Max Verstappen. This team introduced us to the unfair ordeals brought about by the journey of life. They addressed very serious issues in unique and creative ways. These included body shaming and speciesism (the discrimination of other animal species other than humans). They also added the general struggles of life as inspired by the story of Emmanuel Taban. The adjudicator made special comment on how difficult addressing the topic of speciesism is. She further commended our speaker for managing to make it accessible. They too achieved an A+.
Grade 10
The prepared public speaking team comprised of Matthew Wentworth, Shreya Jungbahadur, Tinyiko Marivate, and Joel Moodley. They spoke beautifully, engaging the audience. The adjudicator commented that they we well-prepared, interesting and thought-provoking. Well done on achieving a B+.
The impromptu team included Paul Harber, Buhle Faith Ndlovu, Caitlyn Jirah Pillay, and Michael Areington. They spoke in their first ever impromptu event. It can be a very daunting experience! Learners only have 30 minutes to write a complete speech for 4 members. They did wonderfully. The team constructed a deeply captivating speech in response to the quote by EE Cummings. “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” The students acquitted themselves very well in their sincere, heartfelt responses, and they achieved an impressive A.
Grade 11
The impromptu team comprised of Arie van der Merwe, Christabel Akpoduado, Shenade Mchunu and Amandla Nhleko. They were offered two topics. A Michelle Obama quote or a picture of an astronaut against the backdrop of earth and space. They chose this one. The team had just 30 minutes to prepare. They blew the audience away with their maturity, insight and profound commentary. Unfortunately the team spoke for 2 minutes and 6 seconds more than the limit. They were penalised, but because of their amazing insight and impeccable speaking abilities, they still achieved an A+.
Grade 12: Individual Speaker
Reatile Khumalo competed against the best speakers from other schools. She achieved an amazing A symbol. The Individual Speaker event is highly competitive, and achieving an A symbol is no small feat! Reatile addressed the audience on the way language vilifies women in her prepared event. Her impromptu speech had the audience in stitches, as she humorously linked the Big Bang Theory with recycling. The adjudicator commented on Reatile’s impressive maturity, her intelligent sense of humour, and her amazing ability to engage the audience meaningfully. Aurora is so proud of her achievements!
Grade 12: Trophy Team
The Grade 12 Trophy Team competed in the highly competitive portion of the Speech and Drama Festival. This is where learners are held to an incredibly high standard. The team is Rae-Kyndra Ragoobeer (Chair speaker), Joshua Daniels and Tinaye Paradza. They passionately addressed the topic of performative change, tackling our stagnant schooling system, our problematic drug abuse measures, and the way in which we find love. They achieved an awesome B+, coming second out of five excellent teams! Well done on a truly commendable performance!
“A massive thank you to all of the teachers, Mrs Sarah-Jane Olivier, Ms Robyn Habib, Ms Sharon Weber, Ms Michelle Dlamini, and Mr Keagan Ryan. They put in many hours of coaching to ensure our learners were well-prepared and focused for these events. I would also like to say thank you to all of the parents and supporters for coming through for our children and ensuring that they are supported in their passions. The learners are a true reflection of the passion that we all have here at Curro Aurora!” Mrs Kelsey Gallon, Head of Public Speaking
#bluepride
More school news: https://schoolsthatrock.co.za
Photos supplied