First Place for Scarlett Colder!

Back in March, a group of year 10 students took part in The Speaker’s Trust workshop, aiming to help improve public speaking skills in young people. Of these students, a couple were chosen to develop their speeches.

On Tuesday 4 June, year 10 student Scarlett Colder took part in the Birmingham and Coventry Speak Out competition, hosted by the Speaker’s Trust, a charity that aims to boost self confidence about speaking in public. Fourteen schools took part this year, with fifteen competitors from the Birmingham and Coventry area.

Scarlett’s speech, ‘Cancerous Beauty Standards’, was a beautifully touching speech on the unrealistic beauty standards placed on teenagers, told through the harsh light of losing her hair during chemotherapy. Reducing several in the audience to tears with its unflinching truth and uplifting message, the judges were absolutely swept away.

We are absolutely delighted to announce that Scarlett won first place, and, cheered on by her family, was presented with the trophy from none other than The Right Worshipful, The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Ken Wood.

Other judges included Wade Lyn CBE DL CD, the founder of Cleone Foods Ltd, Honorary Jamaican Consul, and High sheriff of the West Midlands, as well as Christine Grover, the Systems Change Manager of Barnardo’s SEEN. Furthermore, Steph Auberval, the product associate of Skills Builder, Hanna Sheahan, education and community engagement officer at Eton College, Kyle Turakhia, the Hub manager of the Literacy Trust were also present at the event. We were also delighted to see the West Midlands runner up 2023 Marigold Adu on the judging panel, and West Midland champion 2024 Cullum Kelly as the Master of Ceremonies.

As a school, we are exceptionally proud of Scarlett’s achievement. The work, commitment, and courage that she displayed truly exemplifies our Academy’s commitment to Potential and Excellence for all students.