ALTHOUGH the new term is well underway, the newly-appointed head boy and head girl at a Cradley Heath school are preparing their inaugural speech in front of 800 people.

Cameron Allen and Divine Matondo, of Ormiston Forge Academy, will speak in front of an audience at the annual Forge Prize Giving event, held at Champions Church, in Dudley, later this month.

The event will celebrate the achievement of students over the academic year and regularly attracts a capacity audience.

Cameron and Divine will speak to the audience, made up of Cradley Heath parents, teachers, students and special guests, about their life experiences, hopes and aspiration for the future.

Commenting on their appointments, Cameron and Divine see the role as being a combination of adviser and mentor to fellow students, in particular, the new year 7 students who joined the academy in September.

Divine, of Kates Hill, said: “We've already been really busy working with the younger students and helping out in assemblies, we have lots planned throughout the year and we feel very privileged to be able to contribute in this way.”

“We're very excited about being able to deliver our speeches at such an important event,” Cameron said. “It's really character building.

“I'm learning lessons every day about leadership and working with a team; along with my studies I know these experiences will give me a springboard into life beyond Forge.”

Andrew Burns, Principal, added: “The selection of Divine and Cameron as head girl and head boy is a great choice and I’m really looking forward to working with them as they take on this important role for our Forge family.”