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Teacher Resource Hub

Welcome to the Sharpen Your SPEAR Teacher Resource Hub — a one-stop space for educators supporting students in the UK’s most exciting youth speech competition. Here, you’ll find guidance on helping pupils choose their topic, structure their ideas, and perform with confidence — plus printable worksheets, video examples, and classroom activities drawn directly from the official SPEAR newsletter series.

Want early access to the judges?

Give your students the chance to shine before the competition even begins.

We’re offering all entrants the opportunity to get on the judges’ radar early through a simple social-media prompt - perfect for class activities, warm-ups, or enrichment tasks.

Encourage your students to post their response to:
Give your students the chance to shine before the competition even begins.

We’re offering all entrants the opportunity to get on the judges’ radar early through a simple social-media prompt - perfect for class activities, warm-ups, or enrichment tasks.

Encourage your students to post their response to:
Your students should post an answer to this prompt:
#OneThingIWouldChange about the world is…
Students can share their ideas on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, or YouTube Shorts. The goal is to express a meaningful thought in a bold, authentic, and creative way.

The most compelling student posts may catch the judges’ attention early and could even be featured in our upcoming content and showcases.
Why should your students take part?
  • A chance to be noticed early by the judging team
  • Get featured on our official @SovereignMindsUK social media channels
  • Boost your confidence before the qualifiers
  • Start shaping your final speech idea with public feedback
How you can support?
  • Share the prompt with your class
  • Integrate it into a lesson on persuasive communication, global issues, or digital literacy
  • Encourage your students to reflect deeply and post in their own voice
  • Use it as a springboard for discussions, debates, or speech drafting

Download & Watch

For entrants and teachers
The challenge is open to anyone between the ages of 16–18 years old who feel they'd like to speak up on the ten SPEAR target topics.So if you care deeply about these global issues, or want to encourage a student to apply, download the info pack.

Download The Pack
A short film
See the power of speech in action. Our short film captures the energy, confidence and courage behind the SPEAR Oratory Prize — showing how young voices can inspire real change.
Watch Now
FAQs
Common Teacher Questions:
  • How long should each speech be?
Usually 3–5 minutes, but schools can adapt.
  • Can students change their topic later?
Yes, flexibility is encouraged during development.
  • Can visual aids be used?
No props or slides; focus remains on verbal and physical delivery.
  • How should practice be structured?
Aim for one rehearsal per week, alternating between written feedback and verbal critique.
  • How is judging weighted?
Roughly: 50% content and structure, 50% delivery and engagement.

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