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A public speaking challenge is transforming the confidence of young people in Newham.

Year 10 students at Royal Docks Academy are taking part in the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge for the first time.

Funded by the Jack Petchey Foundation, communication skills training is provided to students ahead of the Speak Out Challenge youth speaking event by public speaking charity Speakers Trust.

A group of 27 students took part in a public speaking workshop before five finalists competed to represent the school in the regional final in May.

Ellie McGoldrick, English teacher, said: “Students learnt about the content, structure and delivery of a good speech.

“By the end of the day, every one of the students were able to stand up and give a two-minute speech on a topic of their choice, without notes and with just 30 minutes of preparation.

“For some, it was difficult to find the confidence at the start of the day to stand up and introduce themselves. What was lovely was to see the students supporting and encouraging each other to get up and try.

“They were phenomenal; even those who struggled, still got up and achieved it.”

This is the first time the school has taken part in the initiative.

Ms McGoldrick said: “We took this year group to the Speak Out final at Cambridge Theatre in London last year to give them a taste of what we wanted them to get involved with this year.

“Being confident and able to speak publicly will open a lot of doors for our young people in future. It will give them the confidence to communicate their ideas.”