KUCHING: SMK St Joseph defeated 22 other schools to win the Kuching Division Secondary School Choral Speaking Competition on Tuesday.
Their performance entitled ‘Yours Sincerely’ pondered the question of self, being original and the importance of staying true to oneself.
SMK St Mary was second, while SMK St Teresa came in third.
Consolation prizes went to SMK Sungai Maong and SMK St Thomas.
SMK St Teresa’s Mildred Lee was named best conductor.
Kuching district deputy education officer Yong Ing Tung, who officiated at the closing ceremony, called on students to use the experience not only to improve their proficiency in the English language but also build discipline, character and a healthy spirit of competition and sportsmanship.
Chief judge Angelia Lee commended all the teams for an exciting competition.
“What we saw and heard today, is choral speaking at what is probably its very best,” she said.
Choral speaking requires a well-written script and great attention to details including correct choral speaking techniques, clear and correct pronounciation, synchronised movement, well-thought out and coordinated stage choreography, as well as physical appearance and presentation.
The judging panel consisted of Batu Lintang Teachers Training Institute and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) staff.
Hosted by SMK St Joseph, the event was sponsored by the Education Department Kuching Division with the cooperation of Dewan Bahasa and Pustaka.