The team from Walpole Cross Keys Primary School was taking part in the Soroptimists International Public Speaking Competition for the first time, alongside those from 10 other schools in the area and one consisting of a group of young carers.

The event, held at King Edwards VII Academy in King’s Lynn, saw each team of three given five minutes to present their chosen subject, with the first team member introducing the question, the second discussing it, and the third providing a summary and thanking the audience.

“The competition was for Year 5 and 6 pupils,” explained Billy Overton, Assistant Headteacher at Walpole Cross Keys.

“We entered two girls from Year 5 and one from Year 6, as they had already represented the school in the West Norfolk Academies Trust Public Speaking Competition and had done well in that. They were judged on time-keeping, quality of information, and how well they spoke and presented the issue.”

“There was a list of topics given, and the girls chose to talk about the impact TikTok has on the wellbeing of the planet,” he continued.

“They wrote their own scripts and learnt them by heart, practising at playtimes and at home.”

The trio’s hard work paid off, with Ella Ward (Year 6), Star Goodier and Ebony Cox (both in Year 5), giving a polished performance in the contest to win second place.

“It was very close between the top three or four teams – they were all excellent,” said Mr Overton. “The girls were really proud of themselves for coming in second place. They got to perform in assembly and showed their medals off at school, and they were in the school newsletter to parents too.”

“We originally went into the competition for the enjoyment and experience, but, once the competition started, we all felt quite competitive and wanted to win,” said Ebony, while Ella and Star agreed it was something that they’d like to do again.

North Wootton Academy came first in the competition, while third place went to Gaywood Primary, another Trust member.

Other participating Trust primary schools included Snettisham, Heacham, Clenchwarton, and West Lynn.

“Being such a small school, we really value any opportunity to take part in events like this,” added Mr Overton. “It’s a brilliant way to mingle with other pupils and develop links to other schools. We’re always keen to support the partner schools in the Trust too.”