Staats Primary scoops 14 first prizes at national public speaking competition

STAATS Primary School from Kimberley obtained 14 national first places at the recent Artistatue national public speaking competition that was held in Johannesburg from August 24 to 26.

The owner of Artsitatue, At Strydom, said that six schools from the Northern Cape competed at the event, namely Staats Primary School, Newton Primary School, Kimberley Girls’ High School, Northern Cape High School, Diamantveld Hoërskool and Adamantia Hoërskool.

“Between 500 to 700 pupils from Grade R to Grade 12 participated in the finals. Staats Primary School had the most number of entrants and the highest number of national winners,” said Strydom.

Duif Brand, an Afrikaans and English teacher at Staats Primary, said 42 pupils from the school participated in the competition where they could select their own topic.

“The stiffest competition came from Gauteng. Some of the competitors who won first place competed on a national platform for the first time. Some of the pupils have a natural flair for public speaking while others overcome shyness when they realise that people are interested in what they have to say,” said Brand.

“I have public speaking and debating classes every day and always get pupils involved in the talk so that they become passionate about the topic.”

She added that they participated in six national competitions every year.

“We have different entrants for public speakers and virtual competitions to suit all styles.”