On 25 April, two Year 10 pupils from WHSB participated in the 2023-2024 Regional Final of the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge, which took place at Southchurch High School.

Sam delivered a compelling speech on the limitations of having a hearing impairment and the desire to see all schools introduce British Sign Language into the curriculum. Billy spoke engagingly about the issues surrounding living with diabetes, the repercussions on daily routines, as well as the impact of disabilities more generally on individuals who face such challenges in their lives.

Both students performed impeccably, with Sam impressing the judges and taking second place . We are extremely proud of their achievements; their skill in giving confident, articulate and engaging speeches is one they will undoubtedly carry through to their future careers.

We are grateful to Mr Lilley for arranging this wonderful opportunity for the pupils involved.