Public Speaking in all its forms, from storytelling to reading, poetry and speech presentation, is a skill that stands all children in good stead for the rest of their lives. Woodlands students are very fortunate in that they are afforded an opportunity to develop the skill of speaking in front of an audience from a very young age. Students are exposed to the presentation of prepared speeches from Grade 1 all the way through to Grade 7.

Students can present these speeches at the annual Junior College Soapbox, while the Intermediate Phase students participate on a termly basis in the Chatterbox Evenings which are hosted by different schools in our area. At these evenings, our students invariably speak extremely well and do themselves – and the College – proud.

An enthusiastic group of Intermediate Phase students participate annually in the Greater Benoni and National Arts Eisteddfods in a variety of speciality events such as prepared speeches, impromptu speaking, prepared and unprepared reading, monologues as well as dramatic items. The number of students who have participated in this highly skilled cultural activity is increasing steadily.

Our Junior College also proudly hosts its own annual Eisteddfod, inviting schools in the area to participate. This showcase event has been a growing success for the past few years, acknowledging talented students in English, Afrikaans and IsiZulu drama items, as well as music items.