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Articles
Christmas Tree Festival
Step into St Dionysius' Church in Market Harborough and discover a magical collection of trees, decorated by local businesses and community organisations. From Friday 28th November to Tuesday 2nd December...
Every woman’s health matters
If you are a woman or girl who lives in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland please share your views in a short survey to help improve women’s health and care services in your community...
District Youth Council latest news
An update from the most recent meeting and information on the next one and how to be a part of it....
The Lionesses go back-to-back!
The English Lionesses brought it home in 2022 in a thrilling 2-1 win over Germany. This time, the team had changed, Europe had improved and we had a target on our backs. Could we defend our European crown?
All about Radiohead
An engaging read about the band Radiohead - you'll be sure to want to listen to their music after this...
A new supreme court ruling on gender
You may have seen on the news recently the growing number of trans protests and campaigns taking place across the UK; but what are they protesting?
Meet Pesto the penguin
Pesto isn't just any penguin - he's a special king with a big heart and even bigger belly who lives in the Sea Life Aquarium in Melbourne, Australia...
King penguins
Sleek, colorful king penguins thrive on subantarctic islands but face threats as warming seas push prey farther away...
My hero and my inspiration
A pop icon who is an inspiration and a soundtrack to one of our editor's 12-year old self...
Science trip to Geneva
One of the team visited Geneva on a school trip. It turned out to be more eventful than initially thought...
Peer pressure
It can be hard to say no to people you look up to and more people than you think are experiencing peer pressure. Read on to find out the signs and what to do...
Netball Super League 2025 – the highs, the lows and the lessons
Our sports editor Natasha gives us a full review of the 2025 season, including the grand finale....
GRT history month
Our Travelling Forward young people have been creative celebrating Gypsy Roma and Traveller history month....
Design a logo competition – now closed
We will be choosing the winning logo very soon and announcing the winner in our next magazine and on this website...
2025 Women’s Euros predictions
As the 2025 Women's Euros kick off, our sports editor gives us her take on the championships...
Netball Super League round 13 round-up
Our sports editor Natasha gives us a summary of round 13 of the NSL and gives us all of the details for the final round...
Netball Super League round 11 round-up
Our sports editor Natasha gives us a summary of round 11 of the NSL and gives us all of the details for round 12 as the race for the final two play-off spots narrows...
Netball Super League round 10 round-up
Our sports editor Natasha gives us a summary of round 10 of the NSL and gives us all of the details for round 11 as the semi finals edge closer...
Netball Super League round 9 round-up
Our sports editor Natasha gives us a summary of round 9 of the NSL and gives us all of the details for round 10...
Story for a Hare on the Side of the Road (Or, Blink and You Miss It)
A short story with a twist by one of our talented group members...
Cinderella in 2025
**Competition winner** Charlotte Cleary from Robert Smyth Academy captivated us all with their brilliant reimagining of Cinderella, transforming the ending in an unforgettable way...
Animal Farm review
Speak Out members give their take on the book and tell us what makes it such a powerful story...
The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe at the Curve Theatre
The Speak Out team reflect on a fantastic production at The Curve in Leicester. Did you go to see it too?
Folk Music
You may have noticed our unusually unusual word of the issue in the magazine - hootenanny. If you want to know more, read on!...
Sunrise on the Reaping review
After three hours of binge-reading the latest book, which I pre-ordered months ago in excitement, I was filled with a much deeper level of understanding about district 12’s Quarter Quell Victor....
Netball Super League round 8 round-up
Our sports editor Natasha gives us a summary of round 8 of the NSL, which brought an upset and a controversy, plus all the details for round 9...
Netball Super League round 7 round-up
Our sports editor Natasha gives us a summary of round 7 of the NSL as it marks the half-way point of this season, plus all the details for round 8...
Netball Super League round 6 round-up
Our sports editor Natasha gives us a summary of round 6 of the NSL plus all the details for round 7...
Work Experience: What, why and how!
In the Easter holidays, I completed some work experience. Here's my advice to anyone wishing to get some too!
Revision? You’ve got this!
With just under sixty days until GCSEs begin, many of you will be feeling like the pressure is on, myself included. Here are my six tips for your revision...
Five unusual Easter facts
Our Speak Out member has put together some Easter facts and a puzzle to get you into the Easter spirit...
Netball Super League round 4 round-up
Our sports editor Natasha gives us the results and highlights from round 4 of the NSL plus a round 5 summary...
Netball Super League round 3 round-up
Our sports editor Natasha gives us the highlights from round 3 of the Netball Super League...
Netball Super League round 2 round-up
All the round 2 highlights and action from our sports editor Natasha. Plus the schedule for round 3.....
Netball Super League round 1 round-up
And we are back! I will be giving you my team of the round, my highlights, the next fixtures and the players to watch out for in the next round! ...
Elite Netball is back with a bang for 2025
Netball Super Cup 2025: Looking to the season ahead with Natasha, Speak Out's sports editor....
The history of Market Harborough
A short bite-sized history of Market Harborough where you are sure to learn something new about your town if you are local...
A Journey Through World War I History
In October last year, myself and other Welland Park Academy students from Years 8 and 9 went on a two-night educational history trip to explore World War I sites and memorials...
Are you watching The Traitors? If not, you’re missing out
The BBC's The Traitors enters its final week with eight contestants remaining; Minah, Charlotte, and Alexander are standout players...
VAPING: What every teen should know
Vaping, originally for quitting smoking, now attracts UK teens, raising concerns about health risks, illegal sales, and counterfeit products...
What have we learnt from sport in 2024?
Hard work, perseverance, and resilience shine in sports, teaching us to embrace effort, learn from failure, and never give up...
Solitude’s shore
**Competition winner** An evocative poem that beautifully captures the emotions and resilience of being alone on an uncharted island - congratulations!
The rabbit, the chicken, and me
A lone survivor on a deserted island befriends animals, overcomes fear, and ignites hope before rescue arrives...
The Edinburgh Fringe review 2024
Last year I had the privilege of attending the country’s biggest arts festival: the Edinburgh Fringe, where I was delighted/ horrified by (delete as appropriate) a grand total of 23 shows...
The sea
This poem provides inspiration to cherish and respect the vital role water plays in our lives as it connects history, and art and unites oceans, lakes, and rivers in beauty, survival, and harmony...
My island adventure
Stranded on an island, a lone survivor uncovers clues to its past and finds unexpected rescue...
Navigating GCSE Options: A Student’s Perspective
Are you Year 9 and needing to choose your GCSE options soon? Take a read of Chloe's article which provides an excellent overview of how she is thinking about her own choices...
New Year: A Fresh Start – What is New Year?
We hope you had a fantastic Christmas break and feel refreshed. We have some inspiration for New Year's resolutions along with a bit of history on New Year...
The adventures of Manny – the mystery of blood island
One of our entries for the competition created a cartoon strip depicting Manny and the mystery of blood island....
How did I get here and where am I going?
A lone survivor awakens on a deserted island, haunted by questions, injuries, and a mysterious, battered boat...
Dragonback island
Lucy and Jude uncover Dragonback Island's secret as a living dragon, soaring skyward in a breathtaking, life-altering adventure...
Sport in 2025
With 2024 coming to a close, it’s time to look ahead to the world of sport in 2025...
Harborough Young Person of the Year 2024: Natasha Callis
We are proud to announce that our Speak Out editor won Young Person of the Year (11-18)...
Paddington in Peru: Review
Our Speak Out editor went to see this film last week and was impressed!
Staying safe during Halloween
One of our Speak Out group members has put together some top tips on staying safe this Halloween. Take a read before you go out trick or treating.....
The history of Halloween
Did you know that the word “witch” comes from the Old English wicce, meaning “wise woman"? Find out more fun facts about Halloween....
Test series learnings
Australia remains dominant over England, but young Roses show potential against New Zealand. Consistency is crucial for success...
The accidental awakening
A scientist defies protocol, unleashing a dangerous creation that could either save or destroy humanity...
Crimson echoes: The weight of regret
A remorseful survivor navigates a devastated battlefield, haunted by guilt and sorrow, surrounded by death and destruction they caused...
European road trip adventure: From snorkeling to storms
A three-week family road trip through Europe featured stunning scenery, snorkeling, fishing, and close encounters with lightning...
Netball Super League teams 2025
The NSL teams for the new season starting in January are out! However, season 2025 will look much different from the previous seasons...
Our planet needs a win
This poem urges us to take responsibility for reducing waste and protecting the planet to ensure a sustainable future....
The Magnus Archives
This podcast plays around with modern horror tropes and questions what it is to be human or a monster. Give it a listen, if you dare...
Making microwave bread
The Speak Out Team made microwave bread and homemade butter in one of the weekly sessions. Try it out for yourself....
Voices unheard: The price of standing up
**Competition winner** Standing up for what’s right can lead to unintended consequences...
Shattered silence: A city in ruins
**Competition winner** A moment of chaos unfolds as a city is destroyed, blending fear, disaster, and overwhelming silence...
On to new beginnings
Year 11 is a fast-paced, challenging year; focus on resilience, preparation, and embracing the next chapter...
Desperation and consequence
The story follows Karley, who sabotages her friend's job application out of desperation, only to face tragic consequences on 9/11...
Flames of regret
A prank gone wrong turns into a devastating fire, leaving Zaki to face the consequences of his actions...
Toxic bonds
A poem about hidden toxicity in friendships, where jealousy erodes trust and chips away confidence...
Spotlight on mental health
This article highlights young people’s mental health struggles and the importance of seeking help without shame....
Recycling rhythms
Our Travelling Forward young people have been creative making musical instruments out of recycled materials....
My work experience at Harborough FM
Last week, I completed three days of work experience at Harborough FM. It was a great chance to discover how a radio station, in particular a local radio station, actually works....
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month
Our Travelling Forward young people have celebrated Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month this June...
GCSEs are over! Advice to my former self and encouragement for the future
After a month of 26 exams, we are DONE! Here is my advice to not only my fellow Year 11s, but also the upcoming GCSE students...
Amsterdam adventure
A city of leaning houses, canals, bikes, delicious waffles and adventure. Add it to your travel list...
Being Miss Nobody: A review
An emotional journey, blending humour and heartache, a must-read book.....
Interview with author Tamsin Winter
The Speak Out Team interviewed local author Tamsin Winter and learnt about her writing journey and what her inspiration is to write...
Speak Out writing workshop
Our workshop consisted of a world building exercise which involved creating a fantasy setting on a map...
Our planet
A poem highlighting Earth's distress from the harm we are putting on it...
Save our Earth!
Burning fossil fuels causes global warming, extreme weather, and rising sea levels, threatening ecosystems and humanity....
Gummy bear taste test
Taste test reveals colour influences flavour perception in gummy bears, highlighting the interplay between senses...
About knife crime
Knife crime isn’t as common as you may think, but it does happen. Knife crime can affect anyone, not just people in gangs...
Diary of a dancer
Ever wondered what it's like to work towards a dance show and how rewarding the end result is?
The current crisis in women’s football: the deadly ACL
Leah Williamson, Beth Mead, Vivianna Miedema, Laura Wienroither, Sam Kerr… the list of professional footballers who have torn their ACL is high, and still rising. But why?
Stonewall: The Catalyst of Queer Liberation
In honour of LGBTQ+ History Month, it’s important we recognise our rich and varied history, both victories and tragedies...
NSL round 11: The top three look unbeatable as Storm close in on Stars
Catch up on the latest news as the NSL is over the half way mark......
Tales of the lost souls and the relentless search for truth
**Competition winner** Follow 'The Missing Person' on a journey through loss, hope, and the search for truth....
Echoes of Ostling Lane: Unraveling Jane Brown’s mystery
The search for Jane Brown uncovers a web of mysteries, sparking community speculation and intrigue...
The disappearance of Ali: A school’s dark secret
Amid school lockdown, friends play a game until the reality of the truth unfolds...
Missing has landed
Amy Robins' mysterious return captivates the world, prompting questions of fate, reality, and unravelled mysteries...
Echoes in solitude
A person wakes up alone in a field, facing isolation and panic as the harsh light of day kicks in....
Lost in innocence: A mother’s desperate search for her missing daughter
A mother's search for her vanished daughter shatters illusions, leading to a heart-wrenching revelation...
Secrets unearthed: Maven’s quest for the missing diary
A gripping tale unfolds as Maven seeks her missing friend's diary, uncovering secrets that lead to a chilling discovery...
Echoes of absence: Finding peace in the wake of disappearance
A woman grapples with her sister's disappearance until finding solace in the unexpected...
Vanishing act: The mystery of Isabella’s disappearance
Lucy's friend Isabella goes missing after a night out and panic ensues....
Twilight’s veil: A tale of shadows and secrets in the forest
Follow a mysterious disappearance in the woods, where secrets unravel and suspicions rise in the twilight...
Whispers of the snow: The mysterious disappearance of Harry McDoughal
Delve into the chilling mystery of Harry McDoughal's disappearance, where magic meets danger in the snowy wilderness...
A tale of isolation, perseverance, and the last stand of Len Thompson
Len Thompson, the last survivor of the Great Mary disaster, warns readers of impending peril in this chilling narrative...
NSL round 8 brings high scorelines as the top four create a buffer
Catch up on the latest news as the NSL nears the half way point....
Round 7 of the NSL sees the top two sides earn dominant wins
The NSL 2024 hit the seventh round this weekend, as the table begins to take a regular shape...
A lack of broadcasting is holding elite netball in the UK back
Netball Super League games lack online streaming, raising concerns about professionalism and accessibility...
The princess and the witch: A tale of destiny
A princess encounters a witch's prophecy, leading to an unexpected twist of fate
Round 2 of the Netball Super League: A roundup
After an opening round full of fantastic netball, Round 2 lived up to the expectation...
Elite Netball is back with a bang for 2024!
All 10 Netball Super League franchises came to Nottingham last Saturday for their opening match of the NSL with new signings and old faces and this season looks to be as competitive as ever....
Help us save the animals
We are raising money for the WWF. Our target is £100 and we only have £20 to go! Please help us.....
Guardian angel
Her deep blue eyes reflect her sadness, like pools of crystal water, sitting still, deep in a cave never explored...
The girl with the stutter
A beautiful poem about a girl with a stutter and how it empowers her to be strong and an inspiration to others...
Lonely
Do you ever feel like you're just here, just here to be a background character? Like you're invisible to the rest of your school, to the rest of the world...
Phantom love
It has been a mere three years, yet I think she is moving on and I’m fading away...
Help us get to net zero
Successful eight-week environmental project starts a climate change conversation amongst young people...
12:34 am
The glowing dashboard of my car blinks insistently at me as I force my eyes down to the untouched accelerator pedal...
Home
An entry from one of the thought-provoking Remembrance Day poems submitted by Welland Park Academy...
No return
An entry from one of the thought-provoking Remembrance Day poems submitted by Welland Park Academy...
We stand in silence
An entry from one of the thought-provoking Remembrance Day poems submitted by Welland Park Academy...
The shining light of sacrifice
An entry from one of the thought-provoking Remembrance Day poems submitted by Welland Park Academy...
War
An entry from one of the thought-provoking Remembrance Day poems submitted by Welland Park Academy...
Where soldiers lie
An entry from one of the thought-provoking Remembrance Day poems submitted by Welland Park Academy...
Hope in the darkness
A poem to give you inspiration and hope when times feel dark...
Local music artists interview
This term the Speak Out Team were lucky enough to visit Brickwork Studios to meet some very talented local artists and get a tour of the studio....
Cabinet man
When they found my body – or rather, my machine – I was new, perfectly crafted, surrounded by tools, wires, and the occasional unnecessary kidney or bladder...
Martyn Pig
In English we have read the novel Martyn Pig by Kevin Brooks. We really enjoyed the gripping, gritty and dark plot, with its many twists and interesting narration....
Secret Diary of Curtis Mason-Moor
To whom it may concern {basically whoever finds this diary} Oh no! I feared this day would come for my whole life! I am in hiding now but I think I will be safe for now...
A medical intern with a twist
Climbing the ladder to becoming a doctor is hard. I would know...and 9 times out of 10 you don’t end up becoming the Meredith Grey-esque person 12-year-old you dreamed of being....
Showtime
At first this circus was fun and thrilling, we didn't have freakish features, only makeup and props...
Metamorphosis
My name is Oliver Grundy. Everyone knows my name. Everyone knows my face....but if you were to look at me on an odd day in 1987, you wouldn’t recognise me....
The silent witness
2023 Kitty Mayworth stared up at the moon, pondering the knowledge its pearly depths held.....
The Danger Gang review
Everything changes after a storm, when strange green lightning and powerful thunder crash down on the town....
The Aftermath: English heartbreak as Spain conquer the world
Personally, as a lionesses fan, I am devastated. Sometimes you give everything you have and it is simply just not enough, however painful that is...
Young person’s environmental project
A free 8-week art project is starting on Monday 9th October, from 4pm-5.30pm, and will take place at the Harborough Museum & Library.
The Women’s World Cup kicks off down under!
As Europe woke up this morning, the ball was already in play at the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the second morning- or evening, depending on where you are on the globe
Grow your roots
As I approached the sturdy conservatory door, I tried to not pay attention to the withering garden infesting the house’s back...
Why do we forget?
It could be that the memory has disappeared and is no longer available or perhaps it is still there but cannot be retrieved...
Who am I?
Can you guess who these film and literature characters are from these descriptions? Test your knowledge now....
Making the world a better place
It’s about giving back to those who came before us and making the world a better place for those who will come after us.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane – review
The Speak Out team went to see the play at The Curve Theatre in Leicester. Read a review of the playbook.
My five-year-old self
I opened my eyes, heavy with exhaustion after the effort of attempting to arrive here at all. It seemed so exciting at first....
Reasons to vote
Voting exceeds just putting a cross in a box and is an opportunity for us all to campaign for what we believe to be right.
I love living on the moon
I love living on the moon! So many pretty sights. We’re all like one big happy family living up here and you can always find someone to lend a hand....
The meeting
It was like a real dream. I was at Harry Potter World, again. I could feel my heart beating in my chest....
Meeting my five-year-old self
I was walking along the dark street. Plop, plop went the raindrops as they splashed into the ever growing puddles. I lifted my head....
Speak Out: Your mind – why perception is so perplexing
Your brain doesn't always tell you the truth so don't let it hold you back in life. You can achieve what you want if you set you mind to it.
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller high achievers
Travelling Forward talk about what they want to be when they grow up and spotlight high achieving people from the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Community.
Post-18 pathways
There truly is no perfect blueprint for your future because it’s your future and happiness does not have an expiration date.
The philosophy of success
When we challenge adversity with determination, we can change for the better and achieve anything.
Media censorship
Is there a middle ground between censoring content and allowing unacceptable and potentially harmful content to permeate popular culture?
Monday – a short story
What would you like?...a burger or a hotdog? I would like it to not be a Monday.
Only dreams tell such a story
As soon as I touched the pillow with my head it all went black…
Just some Friday
Why am I here? I could have picked any day, but why this one? 3rd May 2019...
Postcard from my dream destination
I thought I was in Paris with the Eiffel Tower but I can't be.....guess where this is...
Our NHS
The NHS is slowly collapsing - what has gone so wrong with our national health system?
Qatar 2022 – the controversy
Should Qatar have hosted the World Cup? Is football getting too involved in political events?
Out of tune – a short story
Today was supposed to be my final violin exam. I would have been tuning and re-tuning and re-tuning again....
Speak Out: Your mind – how your phone affects your sleep
Do you use your phone in bed before sleep at night? You might re-consider after reading our latest Psychology Column article.
Us
A thought-provoking and beautiful poem about being human. About Us.
Anything in a skirt
A satirical creative writing piece on the toxic lessons that are taught from such a young age.
Growing up deaf
For many, we could not begin to fathom the distinct loss of one of the major senses like our hearing. Read how you can help those you might come across.
Are Zoos ethical?
Recently I’ve began to ponder this age old question. Presented here is my internal, now made public, personal debate of whether zoos are good or bad.
Talking to Twinnie
We had the amazing opportunity to ask songwriter and actress Twinnie about her experiences as a musician and a member of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community.
Speak Out: Your mind – why we shouldn’t conform
Have you ever felt the power of group pressure? You are not alone. Our new psychology column discusses how you can break the conformity.
To whoever may need to read this
Maybe you’ve just had a difficult day, or you just need a pick-me-up. Whatever the situation, give this a quick read.
Dear Florence Pugh
A thank you letter to the diversely talented and fun Florence Pugh.
Dear Dr. Seuss
A letter to experienced children's author Dr Seuss who has written so many excellent books.
Dear to the people suffering in Ukraine
If a letter could be sent to all those affected by the war in Ukraine, this is how it would read.
Dear Grandad
Fond memories of a dear grandad in a letter that won't be sent but this is what it would say.
See you in ten years
Read this short story where Stacey meets her younger self - a girl who thinks she is in love but yet to see what life can do to a person. Could she have done things differently?
Let’s get lost – or not as the case may be!
Locally the district has found a creative and informative way of portraying this occasion from a young person’s perspective.
Young people use art to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
Locally the district has found a creative and informative way of portraying this occasion from a young person’s perspective.
Speak Out turns 10
Speak Out Magazine is celebrating its10th birthday and we have launched this website so we’re shining a light on this momentous occasion.
Hostile architecture and the homelessness stigma
As the rates of rough sleepers surge, as does the disdain for homeless culture.
Cinderella and the covid restricted prom
A modern take on the classic fairy tale, Cinderella.
Being the main character: book recommendations to finally feel seen
Read our latest book recommendations which will take you into a world of hope, honesty and wonder.
An interview with Tamsin Winter
An interview with local author Tamsin Winter who has a magical way with words that has produced three award-winning books with more to come.
A terrifying tale of a cruel Victorian crime
I knew the beasts power, the beast that lay inside of me. I was a slave to it, I couldn’t overcome it....
Making mental health services appealing to young people
Read how young people can access digital platforms for mental health care and do these services meet your needs.
Fairytale turned modern – a take on Beauty and the Beast
A modern take on the classic Beauty and the Beast fairytale.
The Glass Slipper – a modern take
A modern take on the classic fairy tale, The Glass Slipper.
Finding inspiration
Inspiration seems to be unpredictable, but really it is created from within. You can do anything you put your mind to.
Rural crime in the Harborough District
The term rural crime may not be one you are aware of, but it is important to understand the different types of rural crime and what you can do to prevent it.
Traditional Roma recipes
Young people from the Travelling Forward Project have sent us two of their favourite recipes.
The Freedom to be Free
You say times have changed, but why do I still not have the freedom to be free?
Slave to anger!
He was a slave to his anger, imprisoned by his rage. He warned them but would they listen? Read on if you dare.
Improve your health & wellbeing by using outdoor space
Find out what green social prescribing is and how it could help you to improve your wellbeing.
Dear World – Pig Cat!
Pig Cat is here to take over the world, which is at the brink of doom, in this entertaining comic strip.
Dear World – How were you created?
A truly spiritual and deep article that tackles a question no one has the answer to.
Dear World – Change is possible
If only people cared about the world and the people who lived in it more then it could be a better place.
Dear World – One dream could change it all
Discover the two different sides to the world, the joy and the laughter mixed with such deep sorrow.
Dear World – We now must act together
Full of emotion and meaning, understand the role we have when it comes to global warming.
Dare to be True
Don't let your comfort zone hold you back.
Anti-social behaviour in the Harborough District
Anti-social behaviour can be categorized into three main parts: Personal, nuisance and environmental. Each can cause terrible effects on communities.
Access to local health services for young people
Find out where young people can access services for general health advice locally.
An amateur take on filmmaking – my review of Wes Anderson
Wes Anderson – creator of ‘Fantastic Mr Fox’ and other masterpieces – is magical, funny and entertaining.
Wanders in nature
Getting out into nature has multiple health benefits and can improve your concentration, de-stress you and also gives your eyes a break.
A bucket list for the new year
It's never too late to start that bucket list you had for the new year. Here are some ideas to inspire you.