Notice to Schools 49/2021 – 21 April 2021
Plain English Speaking Award 2021 registrations now open
Principals/directors, VCE and Year 10 English teachers and VCE debating coordinators
We invite schools to register interested students in the 2021
Plain English Speaking Award (PESA).
This year there will be
21 state heats from Monday 17 May to Friday 28 May 2021 (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 2021.
Entries close on Monday 3 May 2021.
We are sending schools a PESA poster in coming weeks, and encourage schools to promote student participation in the event.
Action required
Principals/directors, please advise teachers that the PESA 2021 registration form is now available on the VCAA website.
Critical dates
Monday 3 May – PESA 2021 registrations close
Monday 17 May to Friday 28 May – State heats at schools across Victoria
Thursday 17 June and Friday 18 June – Semifinals
Friday 23 July – State final
Additional information
PESA gives Victorian secondary students an opportunity to demonstrate excellence in public speaking. Students 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@education.vic.gov.au.