The English Faculty runs a Debating and Public Speaking Program where students are able to test their ideas and develop skills in teamwork, critical thinking and public speaking.
All students in Years 7-10 have opportunities for learning and practising their public speaking skills through in-class activities and assessment presentations. The faculty also runs a Social Debating Club which is open to all students. The Club provides training in preparing for debates and rebuttals, and runs social debates where any student interested in honing their debating skills can participate. Members of the senior school debating teams coach the students.
In addition our students also participate in various inter-school debating competitions, specifically the Premier’s Debating Competitions for all year groups. Our teams have been declared Zonal Champions multiple times and have also participated in the State Finals.
Our students also participate in multiple Public Speaking competitions including:
· Premier’s Plain English Public Speaking Competition
· Rostrum Public Speaking Competition
· Dame Enid Lyons Oratory Competition
· UN Voice of Youth Public Speaking Competition
These activities help our students develop critical thinking, confidence, and communication skills. Engaging in debates encourages students to analyse complex issues from multiple perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of different viewpoints. It also enhances the ability to construct logical arguments and evaluate evidence, which are essential for problem-solving. Further, public speaking builds self-assurance and the ability to articulate ideas persuasively, which is invaluable in leadership, teamwork, and everyday interactions. By practising these skills, students become effective communicators, better decision-makers, and more open-minded thinkers, ultimately improving their ability to navigate an increasingly diverse and dynamic world.
