We are thrilled to celebrate the fourth instalment of our Young Voices Matter programme at Manor Leas Junior Academy. This milestone marks a significant journey in empowering young minds and nurturing the next generation of confident communicators and future leaders.
Young Voices Matter is a dynamic programme designed to develop storytelling, scriptwriting, and public speaking skills. Mapped to the Oracy 21 framework, it inspires creativity, refines ideas, and enhances problem-solving abilities, laying the foundation for future changemakers.
Over the past four years, the programme has been delivered in a unique blend of coached sessions led by TASC and teacher-delivered sessions supported by comprehensive lesson plans. Each pupil receives a workbook to guide their journey, culminating in a 5-minute talk on a topic of their choosing, presented to an audience of peers, friends, and family.
In December, we hosted our 2025 bootcamp that saw an impressive turnout of 100 children. From this enthusiastic group, 50 applied for the programme, and after careful consideration, 15 promising young speakers aged 7 to 11 were successfully chosen to embark on this year's transformative journey.
Over the course of the 10-week programme, these participants will delve into the art of idea generation, learning to expand and refine their thoughts into compelling narratives. They'll harness the power of storytelling to captivate audiences and sharpen their research skills to incorporate facts and data into their speeches. As they craft their scripts, they'll gain a deep understanding of their audience, learning how to tailor their messages for maximum impact.
The programme also emphasises the importance of delivery, teaching students how to use their voice and body language effectively. They'll practise techniques to remember their talks and develop strategies to manage nerves, ensuring they can deliver their presentations with confidence and poise.
Celebrating Success and Looking Ahead
As we reflect on the past four years, we are proud of the accomplishments and growth of our participants. Their stories and speeches have not only showcased their talents but also inspired those around them. We look forward to continuing this journey and empowering more young voices in the years to come.
Thank you to Manor Leas Junior Academy and, most importantly, our incredible pupils for making Young Voices Matter a resounding success year after year. Here's to many more years of inspiring young minds and creating change!
Find our more about the programme and how to get it into your local school here.