A secondary school based in Stockton-on-Tees has hosted a national charity that provides staff and students with a range of practical oracy workshops as students return to school for the Autumn term.

Outwood Academy Bishopsgarth, based on Harrowgate Lane, opened its doors to students for the new academic year in September and during the first week, the academy also hosted members of national charity Talk the Talk.

The charity runs workshops for young people to hone their communication skills and was established in 2013 by John Bothamley, founder of grant making trust Four Acre Trust.

Sheriden Hutchinson-Jones, Principal at Outwood Academy Bishopsgarth, said:

“We were delighted to welcome Talk the Talk back into the academy for the third time, and each time you can really see the students growing into the sessions and discovering new ways to develop their communication skills.

“At Outwood, we believe in putting students first and this goes beyond the classroom for us. We want our students to leave us as well-rounded, confident citizens who can contribute to their local communities, and having strong communication skills is absolutely essential to this.”

The charity worked with the new Year 7 students at Outwood Academy Bishopsgarth and the students were given the opportunity to discuss their hopes and concerns upon starting at a new school.

The workshop also included demonstrations on what makes, and how to deliver, good and effective communication and how to show confidence while producing a vocal presentation.

Michael Doody, School Liaison Director for Yorkshire and the North East at Talk The Talk Oracy Charity. “We can all remember starting secondary school and how scary it was. It could make or break any student! Outwood Bishopsgarth Academy put their students first by prioritising their confidence in these challenging circumstances, so every single participant can experience a positive start to secondary.

“The year 7s have had the opportunity to prepare for secondary school by meeting new friends, building their confidence and communication skills via our Oracy Transition Workshops.

“We were delighted to return for our third year in a row and were genuinely astonished at how amazing, professional and positive all the staff and students were, particularly when you consider the impact from COVID 19.”

Sheriden added:

“Overall, the feedback has been absolutely great from the groups involved in the workshop, and from the trainers from the charity. I think the experience for our year 7 students will have been invaluable, you could see their confidence growing as the session progressed and they spoke about their expectations for the new school year.

“It really is a positive note to start the new school year on!”