English study is mandatory in NSW from Kindergarten to Year 12.
Students learn about the English language through written, spoken and visual texts of increasing complexity as they progress through their schooling.
An understanding of the English language is central to how we communicate and essential for intellectual, social and emotional development.
The study of English should develop a love of literature and learning and be challenging and enjoyable. It develops skills to enable students to experiment with ideas and expression, to become active, independent and lifelong learners, to work with each other and to reflect on their learning.
The Ashfield Public School public speaking competition provides an opportunity for all students to develop their public speaking skills by presenting a speech to an audience.
The competition commences in the classrooms with each student delivering a speech according to the requirements of the particular division that they have entered.
Students will only compete against other students in their grade and division. Two students per class, from a particular division and grade, will be selected to participate in our school finals.
Students competing in Division Two and Three can qualify to represent our school in the Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Competition and/or the School Performance South Public Speaking Competition.
Division One Information (K-6)
Students in Division One will compete at a class level for a place in the Whole School Final.
Students present a prepared speech. There is no impromptu speech in Division One.
Division One Prepared Speech Details (K-6)
Students select a topic of interest, for example: Students may use a visual resource such as a toy or photograph..
No palm cards or written scripts are used in Division One.
Some children may choose to deliver their speech in a language other than English. An adult proficient in English and that language will assist the teacher to assess the speech.
Students will be taught in class how to p[repare and present their speech using visuals such as photographs and maps.
Timing of Prepared Speech: Division One (K-6)
Kindergarten to Year Six
Prepared speech (30 seconds up to 2 minutes)
Division One Prepared Speech Topics (K-6)
Example of topics for the Division One prepared speech:
Division Two Information (K-2)
Students in Division Two will compete at a class level for a place in the Whole School Final.
Students in the Division Two final will compete for a place to represent the school at the School Performance South Public Speaking Competition.
Students in Division Two present a Prepared Speech & an Impromtu Speech
Division Two Prepared Speech & Impromtu Speech Details (K-2)
Students present both a prepared speech and an impromptu speech.
For their prepared speech, contestants should show their good thinking and deeper understanding of a topic.
The impromptu speech topic will be persuasive, and on a general topic. Students have 5 minutes to prepare their impromptu speeches.
The speaking times are outlined below. Note that speakers are expected to finish at, or just beyond the official speaking time, and it will be considered poor timing to reach the continuous bell.
Students will be taught in class how to
- prepare and present an impromptu speech
- research. write and present their prepared speech.
Timing of Prepared Speech & Impromtu Speech: Division Two (K-2)
Kindergarten
Prepared speech (1 minute)
Impromptu speech (30 seconds)
Years 1 & 2
Prepared speech (2 minutes)
Impromptu speech (1 minute)
Division Two Prepared Speech Topics (K-2)
Example of topics for the Division Two prepared speech:
Division Three Information (3-6)
Students in Division Three will compete at a class level for a place in the Whole School Final.
Students in the Division Three final will also compete for a place to represent the school in the Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Competition.
This competition has two different age divisions – one for Years 3 and 4 students and one for Years 5 and 6 students.
There will be two winners in each age division, totalling four contestants overall, who will represent Ashfield Public School at the Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Competition.
Students in Division Three present a Prepared Speech & an Impromtu Speech.
Division Three Prepared Speech & Impromtu Speech Details (3-6)
Students present both a prepared speech and an impromptu speech.
For their prepared speech, contestants must choose a topic from the list below.
The prepared speech must convey a multicultural message. The impromptu speech topic will be on a general, non-multicultural theme and students will have 5 minutes to write their impromptu speeches, starting with only blank palm cards and paper.
The speaking times are outlined below. Note that speakers are expected to finish at or just beyond the official, speaking time, and it will be considered poor timing to reach the continuous bell.
Students will be taught in class how to
- prepare and present an impromptu speech
- research. write and present their prepared speech.
Timing of Prepared Speech & Impromtu Speech: Division Three (3-6)
Years 3 & 4
Prepared speech (3 minutes)
Impromptu speech (1 minute)
Years 5 & 6
Prepared speech (4 minutes)
Impromptu speech (2 minutes)
Division Three Topics - Prepared Speech
These are the set topics for Division Three:
Poise and Posture
The student effectively uses facial (smiling, concern etc.) and arm/hand gestures when appropriate. The student also stands straight and looks confident and at ease throughout the speech.
Engagement
The speech captures the audience’s attention with student using effective eye contact and resources (photo, toy etc…). The student also speaks in a way that is expressive, articulate and audible. Remember that only students in Division Two and Division Three may use palm cards.
Flow of Speech
The speech is easy to follow and understand with the student keeping on topic. There is an appropriate introduction, followed by the body of the speech and summing up with an appropriate conclusion.
Sophistication of Speech
The speech is well-researched to show the scope of topic and a degree of insight into complexity contained within the topic.
Time
Keep to time limit (Division Two and Three only).
