Shaldon School hosted their Rotary Club of Teignmouth for the 2022 Junior Speaks competition.

The heats took place earlier in the week, and the Youth Committee and judges were treated to a fascinating selection of speeches chosen by Year 6 students.

Last year the final took place via zoom, but this year the audience and judges were treated to an evening of confident and well informed pupils giving their opinions and on varied topics.

These ranged from delights of Wallace and Gromit, to the history and relevance of the Periodic table. An insight on Psychiatry influenced by a former Shaldon pupil was very interesting, as was a summary of some famous Myths and Legends.

Favourite films was a little controversial but proved to be absorbing, and many people sympathized with an heartfelt account of ‘Being the elder sibling.’ Water Polo, another topic showed the sport to be quite vicious, but also fun, needing a huge amount of stamina to play a full match.

Rotary president Paul Chapple presented prizes to the winners.

Colour Blindness, a talk given by Isaac Smyth-Bonfield was thought provoking and absorbing dispelling several myths about the subject.

Blob Fish, a strange but rather cute, highly endangered sea creature captured the hearts of the audience when described by Ola Lewin, and Ibiza as a holiday destination took the audience to sunny climes and a happy place, when depicted by Phoebe Coy.

Mr Rees, Class Year 6, teacher, helped the Junior Speaks tradition continue through lockdown last year.

He was thanked for his preparation and support as he introduced his class who enlightened and entertained the audience with assured conviction.

The Rotary Club of Teignmouth are delighted to sponsor and support this annual event and are looking forward to next year.