Dear Parents,
I hope you are all well.
This is Orgesa from Rise to Lead, part of my wider work through Configur Academy.
This week, our focus was on brave speaking and confidence, helping children understand that confidence doesn’t come from being perfect, but from being willing to try, even when something feels a little scary.
We spent time reassuring the children that feeling nervous when speaking is completely normal, and that those nerves are often a sign that what they are saying matters.
The Mystery Challenge
After solving the riddle and opening the mystery box, the children were given their team challenge: to create a short spoken advert showing how their team works kindly and supports one another.
In just 10 minutes, the children worked in their teams, chose their roles (Speaker, Time Boss and Gold Finder), and prepared their adverts. We were genuinely blown away by their imagination, teamwork and confidence, especially considering how little time they had to prepare.
Each team presented their advert to the group, showing clear examples of kindness, encouragement and working together
Building confidence gently
Before the presentations, we held a short workshop on brave speaking. We talked about three simple ideas:
• everyone feels nervous sometimes
• our body can help our voice feel calmer
• trying is braver than being perfect
The children practised standing calmly, taking a slow breath, and reminding themselves that it’s okay if their voice feels a little shaky.
During the team presentations, every group showed courage in their own way. Some children spoke confidently, while others stepped forward despite feeling nervous, both were equally celebrated.
Celebrating Effort & Values
After the presentations, the children voted for the team that showed the bravest speaking and listened carefully to feedback from their Gold Finders, who noticed moments of courage, kindness, and encouragement.
We finished the session by recognising individual efforts with awards such as:
• Brave Speaker
• Quiet Confidence
• Supportive Teammate
The Avocados were the winning team this week.
The focus was always on effort and trying, not performance.
Looking ahead
From next week, we will begin working on individual presentations.
The children will start preparing their personal speeches for the final showcase, where they will have the opportunity to share their voice and reflect on their learning.
As mentioned before, the final showcase will take place on Monday 23rd March, and parents are warmly invited to attend. We would love this final session to feel like a true celebration of the children’s growth, with presentations, certificates, medals, and a chance for each child to feel proud of how far they have come.
Important note for next week
Next week, we will be in a different room within the Patch.
Please don’t worry if you don’t see us in our usual space; we will be in the Faraday Room.
Children will still be brought out to the same pick-up point as usual at the end of the session.
Missed our earlier updates?
If you haven’t seen our newsletters from Week 1, Week 2 or Week 3 please do check your spam or junk folder just in case. You can also find them here:
Thank you, as always, for your continued trust and support. It’s a real joy to watch the children grow in confidence each week.
Warm regards,
Orgesa
Founder, Rise to Lead
Configur Academy
Wesbite: www.risetolead.uk
Instagram @configuracademy
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