Former member of staff and vastly experienced public speaking mentor, Mrs Elizabeth Clarke returned to Clyde Valley last week to lead Public Speaking Master Classes for our budding S1 and S2 orators. As a member of staff over many years, Mrs Clarke coached generations of Clyde Valley pupils to local and national success in a raft of public speaking competitions. She was delighted to share the wealth of her experience with some 20 very enthusiastic young speakers. The speakers, in turn, demonstrated real enthusiasm as they delivered elements of speeches they had already prepared. Under Mrs Clarke’s guidance, the speakers quickly developed an appreciation of the key skills of public speaking and how to improve delivery. Miss Claire Douglas, of the English Department and the school’s new lead teacher for public speaking, organised the visit with Mrs Clarke. Mrs Clarke will return later in the session to monitor the development of our young speakers.

Further to Mrs Clarke’s visit, three of Clyde Valley’s Junior public speakers have recently been visiting a number of our partnership primary schools. Claire Megahy, Niamh Speirs and Lauryn Brown have now visited 8 of our 9 partnership schools. The pupils have accompanied Mrs Louise Smith and Miss Claire Douglas of the English Department who have been leading public speaking workshops with budding orators.

 Miss Douglas commended the enthusiasm and clarity of the contributions our young speakers as they informed their primary school counterparts of public speaking opportunities at Clyde Valley. Those taking part, with the schools they visited, were: Claire Megahy – Wishaw Academy, Netherton and Berryhill; Niamh Speirs – Castlehill, Newmains and Overtown; Lauryn Brown – Morningside and Thornlie

Mrs Elizabeth Clarke, at the lectern, with the school’s junior public speakers.

Representatives from the Gideons International were welcome return visitors to first year assembly last week. Mr Bill Kemp has been a regular visitor to the school for many years. On this occasion, his wife, Isabella, accompanied Mr Kemp.

 Mr Kemp informed pupils of how the Gideons organisation was formed, and spoke of the worldwide work they do. He was pleased to show pupils the range of New Testament Bibles the Gideons present to various groups. He then showed a highly informative DVD that not only illustrated the work of the Gideons but also explained how pupils might consider using the individual copy of the New Testament he would be delighted to present to every first year pupil.

As pupils left assembly, Mr and Mrs Kemp presented each pupil with their own copy of the New Testament.

Mr Bill Kemp and Mrs Isabella Kemp of Gideons International with just some of the Clyde Valley first year pupils to whom they presented New Testament Bibles