Outstanding Student Voices Shine in Young Orator of the Year Final

Many congratulations to the twelve finalists from schools across the UK who competed in the final of our third Young Orator of Year Competition yesterday!

They presented on a variety of challenging topics, from the impact of social media and modern inventions to overlooked historical figures, education reform, and the ethics of wealth.

The overall winner of the Gold Award was Cassidy Chapman, of Bishop Challoner Catholic College, Birmingham, who argued for the inclusion of modern languages as a compulsory subject in schools.  

Second place was awarded to Isabelle Brookes-Mann of Aquinas College, Stockport, and third place to Sadie Morgan of West London Free School, London.

Chair of the Judging Panel, Professor of Rhetoric Melissa Lane, said: "Across the final we heard powerful, logical arguments, and demonstrations of moral concern.

“Cassidy’s presentation stood out as both persuasive and well-delivered.

“She made a powerful case for why modern languages should be compulsory in schools - compelling, well-structured, and thoughtfully argued, it left no doubt about the value of linguistic education in today’s global world.”

Gresham College Acting Provost Professor Sarah Hart said: “I am delighted by how today has gone. We had a group of fabulous young people in Gresham College, and their talks were absolutely inspirational.

"It was so difficult to decide on a winner, but we are so pleased by the presentations we heard today.”

The finalists were

• Cassidy Chapman, Bishop Challoner Catholic College, Birmingham
• Edward Vernon, Netherthorpe School, Chesterfield
• Hanna Dziamchykhina, Woodhouse College, Barnet
• Oluwaseyifunmi Ayinde, The Latymer School, Enfield
• Sadie Morgan, West London Free School, Hammersmith
• Matthew Carter, East Norfolk Sixth Form, Norfolk
• Eva Davies, Aquinas College, Stockport
• Isabelle Brookes-Mann, Aquinas College, Stockport
• Finlay Woodfield, Richard Huish College, Taunton
• Kamran Yarmohammad, Bishopshalt School, Uxbridge
• Marwaa Rehman, George Salter Academy, West Bromwich
• Gianluca Squitieri, Saint John the Baptist Sixth Form, Woking

The Young Orator of the Year Competition showcases the communication skills of state school students in Year 12 (England and Wales), S5 (Scotland), and Year 13 (Northern Ireland).

The event emphasises Gresham College’s dedication to promoting oracy skills and the importance of effective public speaking among young learners.