Oracy for Advocacy EducareM Event

On Tuesday 1st July, we had the privilege of seeing something very special. As part of the Oracy for Advocacy event at Cathedral Hall in Westminister, three of our students stood up and spoke with real passion, courage and clarity. River, Lena and Elsie represented our school with such pride and purpose. They were outstanding.

Over the past three months, we have helped create the next generation of leaders. Their speeches were inspiring. They spoke with honesty about the world they live in and the kind of leadership we need.

One very special guest who heard them speak was Cardinal Vincent Nichols. He was deeply moved by their message and said, 

“ It is always inspiring to hear the voice of young people. They speak with honesty and courage. We must listen to them – because they are the ones who will shape the future. ” 

That moment really stayed with all of us. Our students now know that their voice can be heard and that it does matter. This project has been developing over the last few years. Working closely with EducareM, a charity that supports Catholic school leadership and helps form a wider Catholic network, we have come together with other like- minded schools to do something important. We select students whose voice might not always be heard. Some of them are quiet or unsure of themselves. But with encouragement from school and support from home, they begin to believe in their own voice. They grow in confidence, they learn how to express themselves, and in time they become powerful public speakers. It is always about their words, their views and their challenge to us as adults.

We are incredibly proud of River, Lena and Elsie for carrying the Mission of our school with them and using their voices to help to build a better world.