29 January, 2020
New language programme #commandoflanguage was first launched at the OAT Annual Conference in November. Staff received free resources, experienced supportive education games and even enjoyed a dramatic performance from theatre group Box Clever.
Box Clever Theatre Group performed a modern version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, weaving in and out of the audience. Their performance was layered with humour, while also bringing emphasis to the power of words.
To further the launch of this new programme a public speaking competition – Make Yourself Heard – was opened to academies, giving two students a chance to attend the OAT Annual Awards ceremony in London. The idea of the programme is for teachers to take language in a different direction, teaching students how to use words most effectively. Providing teaching aids, including future online video help for teaching practice, the aim is to create a national movement in the way language is taught across OAT academies.
The first stage of Make Yourself Heard was academy heats. Students were encouraged to perform a speech on a subject they were passionate about. They also had to consider what makes a good speech – projection of the voice, eye contact, intonation, effective language and purpose.
The subject choice was wide open, with many colourful topic being covered, ranging from very current issues such
With academy heats reaching completion, we’re now on to the next stage of regional heats, with academies hosting the events. The hosting academies are George Salter Academy for the West, Ormiston Horizon Academy for the North and Ormiston Victory Academy for the East.
The South regional heat had a few miles of logistics, such as locations and transport, that initially caused some difficulty in arranging. However, Regional Director (South) Luke
OAT students are making themselves heard!
In 2018, the school’s sponsor, Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT), secured £2 million of funding from the #iwill fund and national charity Ormiston Trust to run social action projects across OAT’s network schools. Since then, pupils have been taking part in #iwill’s national campaign and working to improve the wellbeing of themselves, their peers and their local communities. ‘Make Yourself Heard’ is an amazing additional strand to the campaign. Encouraging students to really consider the language they use and how it can be applied effectively in their future careers.
Category: Blog
Tags: #commandoflanguage, #iwill, George Salter Academy, Ormiston Horizon Academy, Ormiston Victory Academy, Public speaking
