TeenSpeech

06/04/2018

We apologize for our recent absence but we are very much back and striving for change.
Do you have any stories about;
How political education at school would have benefited you,
Why you feel the voting age should be lowered to 16,
Why it's important for young people to to have a voice and legitimate platform to voice opinions,
How a life skills class would have benefited you at school,
Why you should have learnt/be learning about first aid basics, why it is so important for more understanding and inclusion with teenage mental health and how the gap between adult and child services has affected you,
Why we should all learn BSL at school,
How inadequately dealt with bullying has affected you,
How schools have been non-inclusive in attendance rewards due to time of because of a disability or
Why it is so important and how you would have benefited from extra support for disabilities such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Aspergers and Autism.

We would love to hear from you!

22/06/2017

One of Teenspeech members raising the issue of first aid training x

03/06/2017

02/06/2017

Question 4

01/06/2017

Here is our 2nd question 😊

31/05/2017

30/05/2017

Here is the first of five questions we put to the Colchester candidates 😊

28/05/2017

The ten things we currently stand for are:

1. Compulsory unbiased political education in secondary schools across the UK

2. With adequate education we hope the voting age will be lowered to 16

3. That under 18s are taken into consideration and have a voice when there is an important vote/referendum/political situation

4. To be taught essential life skills that include but not limited to: financial management, interest rates, credit cards, mortgages, pay day loans and the impact they may have. Consumer rights, employment law, domestic skills, family dynamics and other important stuff that you’re not currently taught to prepare for adult life

5. Compulsory first aid training in secondary schools inc. refresher sessions annually

6. A better understanding and inclusion of teenage mental health problems with access to mental health support . Also recognising and looking to solving the current issues and short falls within the NHS such as the gap between child & adult services.

7. To recognise British Sign Language (BSL) as a 3rd language which is taught from Primary school age. This enables not only deaf and hard of hearing children the ability to communicate but also though who have difficulty in vocalising. It is also a universal language which can cross many barriers despite there being slight variations across the world.

8. Although bullying is recognised as a serious issue and all state schools are required by law to have a behaviour policy in place many are still failing to take these behaviours seriously and the consequences are inadequate. This will result in many victims having to adapt their behaviours, routines and education. The behaviour policies fail to acknowledge that bullying isn't restricted to children but members of staff can also be guilty with even less chance of accountability

9. Equality Act 2010 reasonable adjustments. To make sure schools are aware & compliant especially when dealing with sickness/ appointments due directly to the child's disability or illness.

10. Recognition of disabilities that require extra support such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Aspergers, Autism. Currently these are things that parents have to raise with schools and sternly request support for. Also that pupils have different learning needs such as auditory, visual, linguistic and kinesthetic.

18/05/2017

‪Come to on June 3rd to partake in our mock election for 11-17 year olds! ‬ Firstsite Firstsite YAK

11/05/2017

On June 3rd, in Colchester, TeenSpeech will be joining the march for the NHS. It starts at St. Botolph's priory at 12 Noon. There will also be a mock vote being held for young people aged 11-17 at Firstsite. Details to follow.

01/10/2016

We apologise that our "learn more" button is not currently active and we will have our new website up and running as soon as possible. Thank you for your support.