Building Voices, Building Confidence, Building Relevant Life Skills

Now in its tenth year, the St Peter’s Woodlands Communication Course— created and led by Paul Mesecke—continues to shape confident, articulate, and socially aware students. The program is grounded in a clear outcome: to develop dynamic communication skills and equip students with the tools to deliver strong, effective, and clear messages in any setting.

Building Lifelong Communication Skills
What sets this course apart is its depth and relevance. Students learn lifelong communication skills that extend far beyond public speaking. They build self-confidence, learn how to prepare and present, manage nerves, understand their own emotions and those of others, and engage respectfully with peers and adults. These are the qualities that make a difference—not only in the classroom, but in every part of a young person’s life.

Putting it into Practice 
This term alone, the impact has been especially visible. Our Year 6 students have spoken with poise and presence at school tours, competed in the IPSHA Poetry Recital Competition, led Chapel and Assembly presentations, and represented SPW with maturity during excursions and transition visits. Their ability to communicate thoughtfully and with authenticity reflects the strong foundation built through this course.

Staying Relevant to a Changing Landscape
What began as a pilot in 2015 has become a defining part of the senior year’s experience. Delivered across year 5 and 6, by staff who know our students well, the course evolves each year to meet new challenges—including digital communication, managing anxiety, and providing regular assessment to track student growth.

It also complements our school values, creating a culture where communication is not just taught, but lived. Students step outside their comfort zones—but with the strategies to succeed, they grow, connect, and lead. This course prepares students for their next stage of schooling and beyond.