Pentecostal Light and Life Primary School is the champion of the Tobago Primary Schools Choral Speaking Competition.
Choral speaking is an oral tradition of storytelling, which the THA Division of Education, Skills and Innovation wants to keep alive among younger generations.
The competition, which took place at the Lowlands Multipurpose Centre on Tuesday, featured two categories: Senior and Junior, with Pentecostal Light and Life Primary School winning both.
According to Curriculum Associate for English Language with the Division of Education, Skills and Innovation, Lendl Gray, choral speaking is one form of oral tradition which exists in Tobago.
“Choral speaking plays a major role in passing down some of the traditions that we would have learnt over the years from generation to generation, and so having this continue is an excellent and vital role, plays an excellent and vital role in how we share our stories.”
It involves telling a story in unison with synchronised body movements and hand gestures, with various parts being orated by individuals in between.
“What makes it special is that we have a myriad of students being able to express themselves all at once and also working together as a team because they have to be able to express themselves not just as individuals but as a unit.”
Mr Gray also explained that choral speaking helps students develop communication skills while strengthening their ability to be creative and expressive with words.
“Listening and speaking is an essential part of English Language and of course choral speaking plays a vital role in developing your listening and speaking skills.”
For this reason, and to help preserve a unique form of Tobago’s oral traditions, the THA Division of Education, Skills and Innovation continues to host an annual choral speaking competition.