Students in Years 7 and 8 took part in the annual Ignite competition, where every student researches and writes a speech on a topic of their choice. They then deliver their speech to their Tutor Group, who vote on a winner to send to the final. These finalists perform once again for the entire year group, where a panel of student judges select the overall winner.

We were so impressed by everyone's hard work, persuasive skills and passion during this year's Ignite events. It takes great courage to stand in front of your peers and share your heart and mind with others in your first year of high school.

Well done to the finalists who represented their forms in the Year 7 final: Preesha P, Amirah L, Kaviyan S, Vihaan S, Leah C, Abishai I and Milan M. A huge congratulations to this year's winner, Jai H 7PJ, who argued that school should be banned!

Year 8 students delivered compelling speeches about a child's right to an education, to privacy and identity. It was amazing to see Park High students using their voices to advocate for children everywhere. Well done to the finalists who represented their forms: Tia M, Kiara S, Khadija H, Milan P, Hawra S, Ibraheem B and Abubakar N. Very well done to Siasha B 8AW, who won with her passionate speech about a child's right to a proper home.

A big shout out to our brilliant student judges from across the school. Their professionalism, creativity and support helped make these events a success. Thank you to our student judges: Aranie K 8KA, Jai H 7PJ, Antonia N 9AY, Gabriel C 10GS, Jamaiya G 9FT and Bansi D 10CD.

All the speeches heard across the two days of events were inspiring and proved our students' maturity, insight and engagement with global issues. Congratulations to everyone involved.