A pupil from Broomhill School is set to raise a laugh on the national stage next week after qualifying for the final of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists’ (RCSLT) VoiceBox joke competition.
VoiceBox, is a nationwide contest for primary schools, and is designed to shine a spotlight on the crucial role communication plays in a child’s development.
Ava (Primary 5) impressed local judges with a joke that was graded on originality, delivery and its punchline, and has already won £100 worth of Harper Collins books for making it this far. She will now take part in the Grand Final at the Scottish Parliament, where she will compete against 27 other finalists from across the country on Thursday 6 June 2024.
Finalists are in with the chance of winning £500’s worth of Collins Big Cat books for their school for first place, and £200’s worth of Collins Big Cat books for their school for 2nd and 3rd place. The top three winners will also receive a £100 toy gift card to add to their prizes.
Glenn Carter, a spokesperson for the event, said, "It's great to see our local winners move on to the final of VoiceBox. This competition isn't just about making people laugh; it's about showing how important good speaking skills are for success in school and later in life.
"VoiceBox shows how valuable it is for children to learn how to communicate well. Helping them now sets them up for a better future."
Lizzi Jones, Head of Sales and Marketing for Scotland from HarperCollins Publishers, said: "We are delighted to support the development of children’s communication skills through VoiceBox and the message that it is spreading. We believe that this will help improve children’s literacy and comprehension abilities through the enjoyment of telling a joke.”