Public Speaking

During first term, English teachers actively promote Exposition writing and speaking during lesson time, in order to promote Public Speaking. The Rostrum Voice of Youth topics are used as a starting point, in order to enable students an easy transition should they choose to enter the official competition. The topics are such that students have an opportunity to tackle a broad range of issues, depending on their personal interests and subject knowledge.

As a ‘stepping stone’ to the Rostrum competition (Term 2) we hold our own Loxton High School Public Speaking competition (late in Term 1). There are two divisions, Junior and Senior, with medals awarded to the winners and runners-up. Winners also earn free entry into the Rostrum competition. Participation has steadily increased, as the popularity of Public Speaking has grown in the school.

Loxton High is one of the few Government schools and one of the even fewer Country schools to be well represented at Rostrum Voice of Youth. In recent times we have had many students make it through to the semi-final stage and a couple who have progressed to the State Final held at Parliament House.

Public Speaking is a popular activity at Loxton High School, well supported in English classrooms for mainstream students but with the opportunity to compete at the highest levels in the state for those who choose to take up the challenge.