The decorum of Burnett Heads State School students was put the test as the school took part in The Amazing Shake competition for the third time.
Organising the competitive event, Burnett Heads State School teacher Trevor Standfast said The Amazing Shake was a competition that placed an emphasis on teaching student’s soft skills – manners, discipline, respect, and professional conduct.
“Prior to the competition, students learn the tones of professional human interaction as they are taught skills such as how to give a proper handshake, how to ‘work a room’, how to give a successful interview, and how to remain composed under pressure,” Trevor said.
“The goal is to prepare our students so that they are able to present themselves exceptionally well for opportunities today as well as those that will come in the future.”
Trevor said the competition consisted of case-scenario stations set up around the school and throughout the Bundaberg city, including Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery, that every student must pass through while exercising etiquette, composure, and experience.
Top performers from each station then advanced to the next level of challenges until there was ultimately one overall champion.
Participating in The Amazing Shake, one of Burnett State School’s students Jack said he enjoyed to the gauntlet round the most.
“In my opinion, I think that all of the students were looking forward to the Gauntlet the most,” Jack said.
“The hardest stage was going to the art gallery, as it was really difficult talking to strangers you haven’t met. I think that everyone was really nervous.”
The Amazing Shake is already a major worldwide competition originating in the United States.
Trevor said it was an important lesson for students in the “soft skills” that are no longer taught at home.
In 2019, the second year the school had participated in The Amazing Shake, Trevor had a goal to share the competition with the rest of Australia, but this mission was put on hold due to COVID-19.
“Covid 19 has certainly impacted the plans to introduce The Amazing Shake around the country,” he said.
“There is some interest around the state but the uncertainty of the COVID-19 situation has held others back.
“Last year we continued with the explicit teaching of the skills however did not hold a competition.”
