The Spoken Word is Mightier than the Glove

Eastbrook School was honoured to have award-winning broadcast journalist and sports commentator, Ronald MacIntosh, spend a morning talking to our students about his life and career as a professional basketball player, boxer and sports commentator. He skillfully drew on the similarities between sporting and academic success, as well as highlighting the importance of spoken and written English in his career as a journalist and commentator.

Event organiser and English teacher, Mr Nicholls, who organised the event, explained that: “The idea was to have students meet someone at the top of their game, who used the English language and Oracy as an important tool, but came from working-class origins that our students could relate to.”. 

Students sat enthralled for 2 hours, as the 6 foot 9 inch gentle giant recalled tales of his life in sports, broadcasting and growing up in a humble, but tight knit, community. He also took questions from students, with Zakariya in Year 9 saying: “I really enjoyed today, and the inspirational words on the importance of remaining focused on my dreams were particularly powerful!”  

Mr MacIntosh was impressed by the level of questions posed and said: “There are some great students here, with huge potential to succeed.” After the talk, he signed autographs and posed for pictures with excited students before heading off to prepare for his next assignment, Wimbledon. 

A special thanks must go to Ms Pearson Head of English and Mr Bamigbola Head of Year 10, who provided invaluable support for the event.