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Notice 41 2020

Notice to Schools 41/2020 – 18 March 2020

Plain English Speaking Award 2020 registrations now open

Principals/Directors, VCE and Year 10 English teachers and VCE debating coordinators

Registrations for the 2020 Plain English Speaking Award (PESA) state heats are now open.

The 2020 state heats schedule is available on the VCAA website . There are 26 state heats from Monday 18 May to Friday 29 May 2020 (inclusive). All state heats start at 9.30am.

Teachers can register students to participate via the online entry form . A maximum of two students per school may enter. Applicants must have been aged between 15 and 18 years on 1 January 2020.

Entries close on Monday 4 May 2020.

A PESA poster will arrive in schools in coming weeks. Schools are encouraged to promote student participation in the event.

Please note: The PESA State Heats may need to be postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19. The VCAA will provide further advice as soon as it comes to hand.

Action required

Principals/Directors should advise teachers that the PESA 2020 entry form is now available on the VCAA website.

Critical dates

Monday 4 May – PESA registration closes

Monday 18 May to Friday 29 May – state heats at schools across Victoria

Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 June – Semifinals at 2 Treasury Place, Melbourne

Friday 24 July – State final at State Library Victoria

Additional information

PESA gives Victorian secondary students the opportunity to demonstrate excellence in public speaking. Students are required to deliver a six-minute prepared speech and a three-minute impromptu speech. The prepared speech requires students to demonstrate high-level research and writing skills, in addition to public speaking skills. The competition celebrates the voices of students on a wide range of student-directed topics, and is an excellent opportunity for young people to speak on issues they feel passionate about.

An entry fee of $55 per school applies (host schools are exempt). Payment options are outlined on the PESA entry form and include cheque and credit card.

For more information, visit the  Plain English Speaking Award  webpage. If you have further queries, contact the Student Festival and Events team: 03 9032 1630 or  vcaa.events@edumail.vic.gov.au .