ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE, IPSWICH Celebrating International Public Speakers

Over the past decade a significant number of international students at St Joseph’s College Ipswich have excelled in public speaking and taken exams through the internationallyrecognised London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art examinations, earning valuable UCAS points.

Public speaking is challenging for all students, with lessons designed to develop effective oral communication and public presentations skills. Dedication and self-motivation are required – particularly for those speaking in an additional language.

In the March exam session, four international students participated and all excelled, including Sixth Formers Joseph and Jimmy, who achieved fantastic results in their Grade 8 (Gold medal) exams - the highest level of study offered by LAMDA.

Joseph and Jimmy have studied public speaking for several years; their perseverance, hard work and self-belief have enabled them to develop into excellent communicators. Their varied and engaging speeches for the gold medal showcased their personal interests and personalities. They also delivered persuasive contemporary and political speeches.

One aspect of the exam is an impromptu speech. For this, the candidates have to write and perform a speech whilst in the exam; choosing a title, stating a chosen audience and communicating their ideas. These exams teach the students vocal and presentation skills plus how to deal with time limits, to work under pressure, have creative ideas and to be responsive and quick thinking.

‘Congratulations to these super students on enriching their educational journeys with skills that will benefit every career path,’ said St Joseph’s LAMDA tutor, Mrs Cheryl Pethybridge.