The highlight of the day was an outstanding presentation by the Year 8 cohort, who confidently unveiled their "Recipe for a Better World." This thoughtful and imaginative piece captivated the audience, showcasing the students' creativity, critical thinking, and their powerful vision for positive change. Their poise and clarity were a testament to the skills they've honed throughout their involvement in the Speak Up project. We also thoroughly enjoyed the diverse and inspiring presentations from the other participating schools, which truly highlighted the collective talent within the partnership.

Ms. Williamson, Assistant Headteacher, expressed immense pride in the students' development. "Our Year 8 cohort really did us proud with their 'Recipe for a Better World' presentation," she shared. "I'm so proud of both cohorts who've taken part. They've grown so much in confidence, worked with loads of fantastic arts practitioners, and really grown as people." Ms. Williamson's words underscore the profound impact of the partnership in nurturing personal growth, fostering self-belief, and developing crucial communication skills amongst these young people.

The Speak Up programme, part of the National Theatre's nationwide initiative, is designed to empower young people in areas where access to arts opportunities might be limited and voices are not always heard. It sees students working collaboratively with local artists and teachers to co-create artistic responses to issues that are most important to them. This innovative approach encourages new ways for young people to think, see, and ultimately bring about change, putting them at the heart of the creative process.

The arts are incredibly important to Stoke-on-Trent, and this project has been instrumental in helping our young people get their voices heard. It has provided a vital platform for them to express themselves, explore complex ideas, and engage with their community in meaningful ways.

The success of these students' participation in the Speak Up project is a testament to dedicated collaboration. Immense gratitude was extended to Caroline, the Speak Up Rep, and Phebe, who coordinated the project in Stoke. 

After their triumphant presentation, the students enjoyed well-deserved free time to explore the exhilarating attractions of the Alton Towers theme park, a fitting reward for their hard work and an exciting conclusion to an unforgettable day. We are eagerly anticipating the release of a video showcasing their journey and their inspiring performance, which promises to be a memorable highlight.

The involvement in the Speak Up Partnership has clearly demonstrated the transformative power of arts education, equipping these students with the confidence and voice to contribute their unique "Recipe for a Better World" to their community and beyond.