Welcome back to Ten Feet Tall.
In this month’s January 2026 update, we share:
key class information to support your child
ideas to build confidence and communication skills
This update includes an overview of our Speech and Drama programme and why booking Public Speaking classes too early can be unhelpful.
Tips to choose non exam vs exam pathways and for parents wanting exams -which exam board is right for your child,
As students move into Years 7–13, communication skills become essential for success at school, university, and beyond. Our Senior Programme Update outlines how continued skill development supports students through these critical years.
We’ve also refreshed our Debate Curriculum over the holidays, strengthening the balance between argument building, confident speaking, responding to opposition, and debate technical skills. You can read more about which class best suits your child.
If you do not see a class that suits your schedule – please ask us to create one for you. We regularly add or change classes.
Term 1 Start Dates
Please check our Term Dates as they may be different to your school term.
Public Classes: start from Saturday 31st.
In-School Classes: start from Monday 2nd February.
Northcote Primary School Classes: start from 27th of February
What is my Child Learning Term 1?
You can view your child’s full learning outcomes in the parent portal under Resources.
A short guide on how to find these is available here: https://tenfeettall.co.nz/parentportalguide/Speech & Drama
Students are developing confidence, expression, and performance skills through:Preparing and presenting one set text (such as a poem or reading) with mood and meaning
Practising 1–2 impromptu skills, including: courtesy, movement & mime, storytelling, and improvisation
Public Speaking
Students are learning to structure ideas and speak clearly and confidently by:Writing and presenting a short prepared speech
Practising 1–2 impromptu skills, including: courtesy, impromptu speaking, storytelling, and interviews
Debate (Foundation Level)
Students are being introduced to the core skills of debating, including:How to think about and structure a debate
Speaking with clarity, confidence, and impact
Writing arguments and learning basic rebuttal techniques
Refer a Friend and Save
- Refer a friend. If they sign up for classes we will add a $30 discount to your Term 2 fees. We offer 3 referrals per term.
- If you have referred a friend let us know here.
Speech and Drama or Public Speaking?
Many parents know that to have success academically students need to be able to present well. To speak with impact – children need a solid foundation of speaking and performing skills before moving to Public Speaking. READ MORE
Introducing TFT Achievement Standards
Ten Feet Tall is pleased to introduce TFT Achievement Standards for students in Speech & Drama, Public Speaking, and Debate non exam classes.
Across the year, students work towards mastering the skills expected at their school year level, guided by the Ten Feet Tall Curriculum. The TFT Achievement Standards replace our end-of-year certificate and provide clear recognition of measurable progress in communication, performance, and critical thinking skills.
Exam VS Non Exam Classes How to Choose
Over the last 11 years we have learnt students gain more skills when they work towards a measurable goal over the year. Read how to choose the right Ten Feet Tall class for your child. READ MORE
Which Exam Board Is Right For My Child?
We are intentionally giving parents the option to choose their child’s exam path. Our Speech and Drama/ Public Speaking classes have exam options. Read more about how to make that choice. READ MORE
Increase Senior Students’ Academic Performance
At senior level, students are assessed not just on what they know — but on how clearly they can express it.
Our senior programme supports:
Oral presentations and speeches
Written assessments and essays
Classroom participation
Leadership roles, interviews, and tertiary pathways
Take a look at how we are supporting our senior students as they navigate high school and university applications READ MORE HERE.
A Clearer Focus for Debate in 2026
Our debate programme has evolved to focus on transferable skills that apply far beyond the debating chamber. We are now offering classes from Year 7-13. READ MORE HERE.
This year, students are advised to enrol in our debate classes as follows:
All 2025 Foundation students should enrol in our Foundation Debate classes
All 2025 Emerging students should enrol in our Advanced Debate classes
All new students at any age should enrol in our Foundation Debate classes
Don’t see the right day/time let us know and we will add another class or we offer online debate classes.
Need help booking a class?
Book classes using the Ten Feet Tall app or portal
Contact us: admin@tenfeettall.co.nz