Jersey school children invited to make their mark in new 'Mark My Words' competition
States Assembly
12 May 2025
Jersey’s secondary schools are being encouraged to sign up to take part in a new competition which has been launched by the States Greffe and the Jersey Oracy Network to enhance their public speaking and critical thinking skills.‘Mark My Words’ is aimed at Year 8 students and invites them to create a three-minute speech calling for local change in attitudes or actions related to conflict, sustainability or social responsibility. The competition is designed to encourage young people to enhance their knowledge and understanding of Jersey’s political system.
Participating schools will hold internal competitions to find a finalist and runners-up to send to an inter-schools’ competition, held in the States Chamber on Friday 26 September 2025, which coincides with the end of Democracy Week.
Participants will make speeches and face questions from their peers during the session. A panel of judges will decide an overall winner based on the content, delivery and effectiveness of their questions and answers. The winner will receive a trophy with the winning school receiving a cash prize.
Molly Gladwin, Education Manager at the States Greffe, said: 'It’s really important that young people feel empowered to use their voice to speak up on the issues that matter to them. This competition builds on skills they’ve already gained in school, and through the Year 6 Speak Up, Speak Out initiative, and takes them to the next level. It also aims to give them a better understanding of Jersey's political system and the vital role that public speaking plays in politics. The ability to speak with confidence and courage is a vital life skill as is the ability to learn how to handle challenges to your beliefs. By running this competition, and hosting the final in Democracy Week, we hope to inspire our young people to consider standing as the next generation of States Members in the future.’
Schools can sign up for the competition via the States Assembly website where a selection of teaching resources can also be found. The deadline for schools to enter the competition is Friday 23 May 2025.
