An internationally renowned motivational speaker has been speaking with students from two Chesterfield-based secondary schools.

Steve Judge, a two-time World Champion Gold Medallist Para-triathlete, spoke with Year 11 students from ���ϳԹ��� Newbold and ���ϳԹ��� Hasland Hall. The Regional Professional Speaking Association Speaker of the Year 2020, 2018 and 2017 met the students as they enter the final year of their studies following an unprecedented 18 months.

The focus of the event was about thinking about what your GOLD will be, how you must set milestones to achieve it and how small steps lead to big ones. The keynote focussed on looking forward, not leaning on excuses and turning excuses into challenges.

Students were invited by Steve Judge to think about how they had overcome the challenges of the last year, the resilience they had shown and what had motivated them to do so. The students were then challenged by Steve Judge to reflect on their ambitions and set their goals to strive for.

Steve Roberts, Lead Principal at both Outwood academies, said:

“We were delighted to welcome Steve to our academies to speak with our students. His story is truly inspirational and you could see how enthused the students were to talk to him and they really took the opportunity to reflect on resilience, drive and motivation.

“At Outwood we believe in putting students first, doing all we can to ensure they fulfil their potential and for us this goes beyond this classroom. Giving our students opportunities to talk with inspirational figures like Steve Judge is an example of how we try to achieve this.

“We would like to thank Steve again for coming in and inspiring our students.”

Steve Judge, who overcame a serious and life changing car accident which left him being told he may never walk again to discover triathlon and become a two-time world champion, spoke positively about meeting the students.

Steve Judge said: “It was an amazing opportunity  for me to work within the Outwood’s academy enhancing the synergies between the schools within the academy family.  After a challenging and difficult pandemic period it was exciting to be part of these young people's journey; empowering them to be aware of their visions and seizing opportunities within their education.

“From the curiosity and interrogation style questions from the students after my performance it was clear to see a spark had been lit. It was a delight to see them so motivated towards their future achievements. 

“I look forward to continuing my support towards the students on future occasions.”

The event was the first time the two Outwood academies have formally collaborated since ���ϳԹ��� Hasland Hall opened in March 2021.

Steve Roberts added:

“It was nice to use the event as a way of symbolising how they will work together to benefit all Year 11. A special thank you to Amber Pickering from OA Hasland Hall and Georgie Mills from OA Newbold, the winner of CBBC’s ‘Got What It Takes?’, who brought together dance and song in a wonderful collaboration.”