FOR the second year running Country Universities Centre (CUC) Bass Coast is partnering with the Rotary Club of Wonthaggi to deliver the Annual Primary School Public Speaking Competition for 2024.
The free community event will be held on Thursday, October 17 from 6- 8 pm at the Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre. The competition gives students an opportunity to express their ideas for the future whilst developing firsthand their public speaking and communication skills.
Eleven Bass Coast primary schools have nominated one student from Grade 5 or 6 to participate. Community members are all invited to attend and see the calibre of the talented students as they captivate audiences with their skills, confidence, and bright ideas.
CUC Education Program Coordinator, Amanda McMahon said, “Engaging local schools and supporting teachers to build the skills and capacity of students was a strength of the program this year. The students shared their ideas and thoughts in a mature and well-structured way. I look forward to hearing the finalists on October 17 and welcome any community members to hear these inspiring students speak.”
Wonthaggi Rotary Club Immediate Past President Nicky Chung, commended CUC with the development of resources and targeted sessions across local primary schools to build students confidence and support teaching staff to help build confidence in public speaking. “The Rotary Club of Wonthaggi is thrilled to collaborate with the Country University Centre (CUC) in Wonthaggi. Their involvement has significantly enhanced our public speaking competition by mentoring over 700 primary school students and providing opportunities for CUC student ambassadors to mentor and serve on the judging panel.”
CUC Bass Coast is a community led model which aims to increase access and opportunities to higher education pathways for regional students, and in doing so, building the capacity of the local community and workforce. The centre is open for access to registered students seven days a week, providing high speed technology, academic mentoring and support. The study space allows students to network with others to create a community learning environment and reduce isolation while studying remotely. For more information, please give the team a call on 0472 741 451 or visit www.cucbasscoast.edu.au