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Mossbourne Port Side Hosts Inaugural Your Shout Public Speaking Final – A Night That Put Young Voices Centre Stage

• Mossbourne Port Side Academy host first-ever Your Shout Public Speaking Competition for pupils aged 9-11. 

• Judges include those from the Local Authority, Thurrock Council, Triland Metals, and Mossbourne Port Side. 

• Pupils got the chance to attend workshops led by public speaking experts, Teresa Dukes, and AC Gaskell, in run up to the competition. 

• Councillor Gary Byrne (judge) praised the event, “As the very first event of its kind in Thurrock, I am certain it will only grow in stature and quickly become a highlight of the school calendar.”

On Thursday, 4th December, the hall at Mossbourne Port Side Academy, part of the Mossbourne Federation, was buzzing with excitement as 32 pupils from eight local schools stepped up to the microphone for the grand final of the first-ever Your Shout Public Speaking Competition 2025 – an initiative created by Mossbourne Herd Lane Headteacher, Karina Garrick, in partnership with Teresa Dukes Consultancy and The Speaker’s Trust.

Generously supported by Triland Metals and the Thurrock Rotary Club, the event brought together community leaders, council representatives, educators, and families, all keen to hear the remarkable speeches crafted by children aged 9–11. Judges from the Local Authority, Thurrock Council, Triland Metals and Mossbourne Port Side joined the Head Pupil of MPA in the difficult task of choosing a winner.

The competition followed a month of workshops where 64 pupils were coached by renowned public speaking experts Teresa Dukes and AC Gaskell. Children were taught how to engage, project and captivate, skills they put to dazzling effect during school heats before two finalists from each school progressed to the main event.

A Celebration of Courage, Character and Community

The evening ended with a triumphant roar for Jude B, crowned the very first Your Shout Champion with a powerful speech titled “Freedom.” Fellow Mossbourne finalist Coco N entertained the audience with “Is There a Monster Under Your Bed?” while reserve finalist Elliott A impressed with his humorous take on grassroots football.

Your Shout Picture 2 - Winners

MHLA Headteacher Karina Garrick praised all participants, saying:

“Our children stood up, spoke out and – yes – won! Public speaking builds courage, confidence and the ability to make a statement for what we believe in… and judging by their performance, our children are more than ready to be heard in the world.”

Judges and Sponsors Share Their Praise

The panel and sponsors were quick to commend the young speakers:

“An amazing event listening to the next generation. The future is in safe hands.”
— Mr Peter Hughes, CEO, Mossbourne Trust

“This has been a fantastic event, showing just how wonderful and talented our young people are.”
— Mr Malcolm Taylor, Principal Psychologist

And from the winner himself:

“I feel absolutely mind blown. Your Shout is a really good opportunity for kids to learn about public speaking.”
— Jude B

EXTRACT FROM COUNCILLOR GARY BYRNE’S LETTER

Councillor Byrne, who served as a judge on the evening, wrote afterwards:

“As the very first event of its kind in Thurrock, I am certain it will only grow in stature and quickly become a highlight of the school calendar… With headteachers who share your vision, we can finally bring the arts out of the wilderness and root them firmly in every school.”

“Speaking with Michele last night, we were both genuinely impressed that Mossbourne has taken the lead on this initiative… Thank you again for championing something that truly changes children’s lives.”

A Bright Future for Young Voices

Sponsors echoed the sentiment that the competition has set a new benchmark for opportunities in Thurrock.

“They have shown courage, confidence and passion throughout… I am proud to have been a part of the competition.”
— Mr William Smith, Triland Metals

With the inaugural year already declared a resounding success, the Your Shout competition is set to become a much-anticipated annual fixture – one that continues to amplify young voices and celebrate the power of the spoken word across Thurrock.

Your Shout Picture 1 - Contestants