CSG Students Shine at Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge Regional Final

On November 28, The Camden School for Girls was proudly represented by two confident students at the Camden Regional Final of Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge, the largest public speaking programme in England. The event brought together 15 talented finalists from a pool of 279 students across Camden, showcasing the transformative power of effective communication.

Rijana, the Runner-Up in the competition, delivered a thought-provoking speech titled “Communist Albania.” Her presentation emphasised the importance of individuality, freedom, and opportunities by contrasting these values with the oppressive uniformity and restrictions experienced under communist rule in Albania. Rijana’s captivating narrative resonated with both the audience and the judges, highlighting her ability to inspire through storytelling. Reflecting on her achievement, Rijana said, “I am really proud of myself and the opportunity that the Jack Petchey Foundation has given me.”

Imogen, who earned a commendable third place, presented an equally engaging speech titled “Comedy is Timeless.” Her heartfelt message underscored the power of laughter in creating enduring memories and legacies. Imogen’s advice to her peers was clear: “100% give it a go and try your best; you’ll never know what happens.”

Both Rijana and Imogen’s successes come to show the profound impact of the Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge, delivered by Speakers Trust and funded by the Jack Petchey Foundation. The programme offers free communication skills training to Year 10 students in every state school across London and Essex, empowering over 30,000 young people annually.

In Camden alone, the initiative has positively influenced hundreds of students, fostering confidence and vital communication skills. By amplifying young voices, the programme supports personal growth, social change, and employability, leaving a lasting legacy in schools and communities.

A statement from Rijana: On the 28 of November, I had the privilege to be able to perform my speech at the Jack Petchey Camden Regional Finals. The event started with a workshop where we were introduced to the other competitors, and we had a few icebreakers to get to know each other. After a few refreshments, the actual event started. We watched a video explaining the workshop and Jack Petchey's work and beliefs in educating young people and helping them find their voices. Finally, we got to listen to the speeches! Everyone who performed was amazing and was truly inspirational. The judges made their tough decisions and the highly anticipated wait was over.

All Camden School for Girls participants got on the podium! I got 2nd place! I was very proud of myself and very grateful to the school and the speakers trust to have that opportunity and to have gone through such an amazing experience. I highly recommend others to take the opportunity because I have learnt so much and have become a much more confident and comfortable speaker.

I am so very impressed of the achievements of these two inspiring young individuals. From the first day of the workshop, they showed incredible passion and skill and took the opportunity with both hands. They showcased their skills with confidence in speaking out to their year group, the whole school and finally to schools in the region.
We are all very proud of all the students who took part at Camden School for Girls and I know they are too.

Ms Alvarado

Music News - Winter Concert

Tuesday evening’s Winter Concert was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing the immense talent and dedication of our student musicians from year 7 all the way through to year 13. The evening unfolded as a journey through various musical genres, each performance leaving the audience captivated and eager for the next. From the rousing music of the symphony orchestra to the infectious energy of the rock band, this concert demonstrated the diversity and excellence of our school’s music programme.

The concert opened with the Symphony Orchestra which, under the skilled direction of our conductor and the impressive solos of the lead violinists and viola players, had the audience transported. The Junior Choir then took to the stage, with their delightful rendition of Believe, followed by the senior Choir and their take on the Bill Withers classic Lean on Me and One Voice by Barry Manilow. There were high energy performances from the Year 12 Band, the Junior Jazz Band and the Big band, with two Stevie Wonder favourites and Jon Bon Jovi’s classic Living on a Prayer. We also had a wonderful performance from the Camden String Quartet. All in all, there was something for every musical taste.

Overall, this year’s music concert was a resounding success, a celebration of the diverse musical talents within our school. From the classical elegance of the orchestra and choirs to the modern energy of the rock band and jazz ensemble, the concert showcased the incredible range of skills our students have developed.

A massive thank you to the head of Music Ms Segal, Ms Birchal-Sampson, Mr Grout-Smith, and, of course, all our super talented students.

Library Mural Competition

Competition for main school students to create a design for a mural to be displayed in the library.

• Theme “Open a Book, Open the World”
• Deadline - 24 February 2025

Design Templates and Briefs are available from the Library and the Art Office.

Parent Governor Election

Please remember to vote!

There are eleven nominations for 2 vacant parent governor positions. Click HERE for information about each candidate.

How to Vote:
Voting is electronic via Google forms. Please click HERE to access the Google ballot form. Every eligible parent/carer may vote, irrespective of how many children you have at the school. As there are 2 vacant positions, you have one vote for each vacancy, so please vote for 2 candidates from the list.

To vote by post, or by pupil post:
Please contact dcutler@csg.school for instructions.

The ballot closes at midday on Wednesday 11 December 2024 and all votes must have been received by then.