b'THE ELLESMERIAN It is aimed at giving future students and their families as much detailThe Bittmann Award for Dramatic Reading, and The Chankseliani as possible about the benefits of choosing Ellesmere College for theirAward for Presenting, and the judging was led by Mr Jack academic and personal journey. Swanston, Head of Higher Education and Careers at Repton School.89Brendan Wignall, Headmaster of Ellesmere College, said: We are rightly proud of our facilities, and our academic success. The broad range ofThe students demonstrated considerable confidence, precision and curricular opportunities and world class sporting achievements holdagility as they delivered their pieces, all within a four-minute time limit their own with the best, which is why its important to showcase thisand to an extremely high standard. through our information events to future students.The Viva Voce Festival was the culmination of a lot of hard work and The Sixth Form Information Evening is a marvellous opportunityin order to help students prepare, they all took part in spoken English for prospective students and families to learn more about us and talkworkshops on May 16th, again held at Ellesmere College. These sessions with our staff in an informal setting about the College and the courseswere planned and delivered by our Year 12 International Baccalaureate available to them which includes a broad range of A Levels, BTEC, and(IB) students. International Baccalaureate.The titles of the three Viva Voce categories are recognition for three of our Year 13 IB students whose passion for spoken English and oracy led Viva Voce Festival of Spoken English to the Viva Voce programme itself. Students from a number of Shropshire schools have battled it out in aAll three, Emma Bittmann, Iris Grigoras, and Davit Chankseliani bid to have the last word at the first spoken English festival to be hostedrepresented Ellesmere College in public speaking competitions and all at Ellesmere College.three wona tremendous achievement Natt Kritchanarat joined students from Lakelands Academy, Ellesmere,We are already looking forward to next year and building on the and the Corbet School, Baschurch, to take the winning spot in one ofsuccess of this years festival. The 2024 Viva Voce programme, including the three areas of the inaugural Viva Voce Spoken English Festival.workshops and competition, will be expanded with more local schools taking part.The festival, which was held in the Arts Centre at Ellesmere College, was a huge success and there are now plans to expand the event next year with more schools taking part. Mr Daniel, Head of English at Ellesmere College, said: We are absolutely delighted with the way the inaugural Viva Voce Festival went and congratulations go to all those students who took partthe competition was keenly contested. There were three categories: The Grigoras Award for Poetry Recitation, GCSE DanceEllesmere College is proud to announce the launch of its new GCSE Dance program starting in September 2023. The introduction of this course expands the schools diverse arts offerings, providing more students with the opportunity to engage in dance and work towards a qualification. Taster sessions for the GCSE Dance program are held during the summer term, allowing young students aged nine to 13 to experience and explore this exciting new course.Under the guidance of Rachel Schubert, Director of Drama, Ellesmere Colleges dance programs have gained popularity, offering various opportunities for students of all ages. From performing and leading sessions to choreographing and co-directing, students can actively participate in the world of dance. Private dance lessons in contemporary, ballet, jazz, and tap are also available for children aged three to 13.'