SPEECH OLYMPICS
Building a bridge between School and Society

Photo: University of Barcelona, Spain

SPEECH OLYMPICS 2024-2025

Building a bridge between School and Society

WHAT IS SPEECH OLYMPICS?

The Speech Olympics is a competition open to students of the European Schools in Luxembourg, years 1 to 7 inclusive. Individual pupils, guided by a mentor teacher, are encouraged to make a speech of their choice (i.e. Human Rights, Justice, Economy, Education, Environment, Unity of Europe: vid. Agenda 2030).

The speeches will be delivered during the grand finale at the Court of Justice and judged by teachers and subject experts. Prizes will be awarded for the most outstanding speeches. Juniors and Seniors will be judged separately.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SPEECH OLYMPICS

The objective of Speech Olympics is to equip students from the European Schools of Luxembourg with essential oral communication skills, not only for academic achievement but also for personal growth.

By embracing the notion that public speaking is a skill to be cultivated rather than an inherent talent, SPEECH OLYMPICS aims to empower students with the tools and confidence needed to excel not only academically but also on their endeavors, both personal and professional.

PROCEDURES & GUIDELINES

Procedures and guidelines are here to help you throughout the speech submission process.

SUBMISSION OF ENTRIES

The following are the guidelines to submitting an entry to the Speech Olympics:

  • A video recording (2 minutes, maximum) is required, explaining:
    • who you are
    • why do you want to participate
    • which is the topic of your speech.
  • Speeches will be categorized based on pupils’ year levels:
    • Junior Speeches : S1 – S3
    • Senior Speeches : S4 – S7

Please send your video to your own school.

FOR PUPILS

Guidelines for your speech

WHAT: Speech on a topic that defines you!

To WHOM it may concern: the European Schools: Luxembourg 1, 2, and Accredited European Schools, Luxembourg.

  • Junior Speeches: S1-S3
  • Senior Speeches: S4-S7.

WORKSHOPS: At your own School.
WHERE: grand finale, Court of Justice of the European Union.
WHEN: Friday the 2nd of May 2025.
HOW: In your L2 language (English, French or German).
Topics related to: Human Rights, Justice, Society, Economy, Education, Mental Health, Environment, Unity of Europe: vid. Agenda 2030).
SPEAKERS: In total, 16 students will be selected.

 

Rules

  1. No reading: Speeches must be delivered without reliance on notes.
  2. Additionally, participants will be asked to sign a document granting permission during workshops, and at The Court of Justice for various purposes such as inclusion in a book, video recordings and live streaming.

 

Deadline for application
October 25th, 2024.

 

Timeline

Step 1: Workshops
Frequency: Weekly / or every two weeks sessions lasting approximately 2 hours, held after school.
Duration: Spanning about 12 weeks.
Location: Conducted at your own school.
Activities: Participants will engage in training exercises, practice sessions, and refining their speeches.
Audience: Participants will present their speeches in front of each other for feedback and improvement.
Speech Length: Each speech should be around 5 minutes.
Start Date: Scheduled to commence during the first week of December 2024.

 

Step 2: Grand Finale
Venue: The Court of Justice of the European Union, Friday the 2nd of May 2025.
Audience: Participants will deliver their speeches in front of esteemed personalities from Luxembourg.
Rehearsal: Prior to the main event, a rehearsal will be conducted at the Court of Justice to ensure smooth execution.

PRIZES

Category I (Years 1-3)
First Prize: A technology voucher
Second Prize: A technology voucher
Third Prize: A technology voucher

Category II (Years 4-7)
First Prize: A technology voucher
Second Prize: A technology voucher
Third Prize: A technology voucher

CONTACT

Coordinators European School Luxembourg 1.
Dr. Barbara Pastor
Mrs. Dimitra Papagianni
Mrs. Arlindë Rexhepi
mail: LIST-LUX-speecholympics@eursc.eu
Teams group : https://urlz.fr/r0m3

Barbara PASTOR, Ph.D. in Philology.

Teacher at the European School, Luxembourg 1.


Dimitra PAPAGIANNI, Master’s degree in social PaedoPsychiatry and Master’s degree in educational sciences.

Teacher at the European School, Luxembourg 1.


Arlindë REXHEPI, Master’s degree in German studies.

Teacher at the European School, Luxembourg 1.