“Speak Up!” Shouts Out

By Lian Wilkinson and Alex Tyldesley

On 17^th June 2009 students and teachers alike gathered in the A Block Quad to celebrate the launch of The Billericay School’s new student magazine: Speak Up! . The usual place for lower school to meet at break was transformed into a pretty cool party, with magazine ‘section’, stalls and sheds galore. From ‘turning over new leaves’ to rocking out on Guitar Hero, there was surely something there for everyone.

 Music was constantly playing and food was served as visitors wandered from stand to stand. There was one for Amnesty International, talking about the organisation and how to get involved. The sports board offered details about the Olympics and was complimented by an ongoing rally of table tennis nearby. ‘Guitar Hero’ was also a busy stand, everyone having a go strumming along to music tracks. In addition the Peer Support Team encouraged people to think positively at their well-being stall. Not only could people help to create a tree filled with aspirations and actions, smiley faces were available for anyone to ‘Big-Up’ their friends.  And of course, end the far end of the Quad lied the infamous shed- the whole heart of the scheme. While the outside possessed information about the birth of Speak Up!, many dared to discover what was waiting inside.

At 6:15 speeches were presented, the first by two year 10 media students, who talked all about the magazine and what they had been up to in preparation for it. Lauren Brown and Mitchell Denham explained the editorial roles of Student Voice, and Mrs. Berry rounded off the evening with praise for everyone who helped make the evening a success. Afterwards it was off home with a goodie bag in tow.

 Many thanks to those who put so much time and effort into making the launch unforgettable, and don’t forget to check out Speak Up! At www.billericayschool.net/speakup