Saltus Grammar School once again competed in the International Independent Schools Public Speaking Competition (IISPSC) which was this year hosted by the Country Day School just outside of Toronto, Canada.

This is a prestigious event which boasts participation from the top independent schools across North America as well as schools from: the UK, India, Peru, Cyprus and Bermuda.

The Canadian and American leagues use this competition as one of their qualifiers for their teams who compete in the World Individual Public Speaking Competition each year which demonstrates the calibre of experience and skill at this competition.

Coach and chaperon Christianna Hiles said: “This is an excellent experience for our students in terms of exposure, competition and diversity.

“This tournament asks students to compete in three different categories during the four days and these include: Extemporaneous or Impromptu Speaking, Parliamentary and Cross Examination Debating, Persuasive or After Dinner Speaking, Radio Newscast, Dramatic Interpretation and Interpretative Reading.

“Students must be skilled in multiple areas in order to participate effectively in this event.

“The time and effort that goes into these preparations is very evident during every round of the competition.”

Christianna went on to explain: “Public speaking and debating are skills that provide a myriad of benefits.

“Not only does the practice of these skills increase students’ ability to think on their feet; organise their thoughts cogently and clearly but it also gives them the confidence to express themselves and their ideas and to try.

“While winning is always the ‘cheery on top’ simply creating and drafting after dinner speeches, cross examination cases or radio newscasts bring a sense of satisfaction in themselves.

“Saltus has a long tradition of debating in the World Schools style but we are now also expanding and becoming a force to be reckoned with in the various public speaking fields as well.

“While the school is only able to send six students to compete in the IISPSC many more students are able to benefit from learning and practicing these skills within the extra-curricular context at Saltus.”

Saltus entered two, three person teams this year and all six students were excellent ambassadors for both the school and the Island.

Not only did three of our students qualify for the Finals, in the categories of Impromptu Speaking and in Dramatic Interpretation (Liam Peniston and Ciara Burrows for Impromptu speaking and Cathal Rynne for Dramatic Interpretation) but Ciara Burrows, the current Head Girl; Liam Peniston, a S11 GCSE student and Mahir Wagh, another S11 GCSE student won the Top Overseas School Award.

If these were not accomplishments enough, Ciara Burrows also won the Top Overseas Student award as well as the Phil Hansen: Spirit of the Competition award.

We are proud to see Saltus Grammar School students competing and succeeding at this international level.

The two teams were made up of: Team A: Ciara Burrows (SGY2 — Head Girl), Mahir Wagh (S11) and William Liam Peniston (S11). Team B: Sarah Czarnecki (SGY1), Nalani Dowling (SGY1) Cathal Rynne (S11).

Coaches and chaperones were Christianna Hiles and Adam Rossides.