Well done to Year 12’s Alex for representing us at the Creative Folkestone heat of the national ARTiculation speaking competition. ARTiculation is the Roche Court Educational Trust’s nationally acclaimed public speaking initiative designed to promote the appreciation and discussion of visual culture. 

Participants are asked to give a presentation about a work of art or architecture. Their presentations are assessed for content, structure, delivery and the originality of style and approach. 

Alex took part in a three hour heat on February 9th. Despite the marathon online session, she remained contained and calm throughout. Unfortunately, she was not selected to go forwards but should be highly commended for her passionate delivery.

The Very Revd Dr Robert Willis thanked all speakers for delivering such high standard and challenging presentations, stating that this had been one of his most enjoyable mornings of the lockdown period, and in particular praised Alex for so brilliantly conveying the passion that the artist and all involved would have felt.

An Alumni badge and certificate will be sent to the school for Alex and an Art Fund National Art Pass will also be sent out in March.

Here’s what Alex had to say about her experience:

When taking part in the ARTiculation prize I chose to speak about a painting by Frida Kahlo titled ‘Henry Ford Hospital’ which documents an incredibly emotional and painful experience in her life. Having been incredibly moved by this painting, I chose to research Frida Kahlo further and discovered many other powerful works that she has created and how inspiring she is as female artist who embraces her femininity in her art, which I chose to speak about in my presentation. From this experience I have not only gained more confidence in public speaking, but I have also learned many tips and tricks on how to deliver presentations that will become extremely useful in the future.