Magis Report 

WA Law Society Mock Trial Competition

Round 1 of the 2026 Law Society of Western Australia Mock Trial Competition was held on Wednesday night at the WA Supreme Court. Our team went against St Mary’s Anglican Grammar School - appearing for the Defence in a criminal matter. The Accused was charged with common assault, specifically, with intentionally striking an e-scooter rider. Entering the court room, the students were in awe of their surroundings. For most of our team, not only was this their first time competing in a mock trial, but it was also their first time being in a court room. Whilst there were certainly nerves at the beginning, by the end, their energy was high – they had caught the rush, the thrill, that comes with this competition. In summation, the judge commended our team who, with little to no experience had shown great aptitude for the rules of evidence and trial procedure. Singularly out the “excellent cross-examination” delivered by both our barristers, and for the “unwavering conviction…and perfect evidence recall by Witness 2”. It should be noted that Lily King (Year 10), stepped into the role of Witness 2 at the last minute, as a team member was sick, and had less than 24 hours to memorise her witness statement. We are excited to announce that not only did our team win their trial, but also the round as well! 

We are exceptionally proud of our Round 1 Team:  

• Junior Barrister: Henry McGlue
• Senior Barrister: Joshua Standen
• Instructing Solicitor: Leilani McDonnell
• Witness 1 (The Accused): Thomas Ellis
• Witness 2: Lily King
• Judges Associate: Blake Kavanagh

Debating Update

Round 2 of the WA Debating League (WADL) Schools Debating Competition (SDC) will be held on Tuesday 31 March (Week 9) at Shenton College. Our Novice division debates will commence at 5:15pm and 6:15pm, with our Junior division debates to be held at 6:15pm and 7:15pm. The all schools draw can be accessed through Tabbycat, but families can find a copy of our team fixtures below, along with a map of the venue. This includes debate topic, arrival/debate time, speaker order etc. This will be the last of our prepared topic rounds, before teams progress to impromptu topics in rounds 3-5 (Term 2). We wish our debating teams the best of luck.

You can keep up to date with our schedule of competitions and events by viewing the Magis calendar – which can be accessed by clicking on the link below.  

Daisy Farley

Head of Magis – Gifted and Talented

Magis: Opportunities to do more!

Academicus

BRAINways EDUCATION programs provide opportunities for highly able and gifted students and are tailored to their special educational needs. Incorporating information and learning from a wide variety of international curricula, the BRAINways EDUCATION programs offer advanced content and process, providing challenging yet engaging, hands-on learning. Their next program of workshops will be held at UWA in the upcoming school holidays (Saturday 18 – Sunday 19 April). 

Below is the list of programs for students in Year 7:

• Day 1
  • Allegories: The Art of Making Meaning with Words
  • The Science of Bubbles
• Day 2
  • The Secret Mathematics of Making a Masterpiece

  • How to Make an Impact: In Search for Authenticity

     

For more information, please see the attached flyer. Students interested must discuss the program and check availability with their parents, before submitting an expression of interest. Please note: Students require a Nomination Letter to be signed by the Head of Magis, before parents can book their place in the program.

Ethics Olympiad Case Writing Awards

Please note: This competition is suited to students who have completed/are familiar with an Ethics Olympiad. Students in Years 7-12 are invited to submit a case which, if chosen, would be used internationally for both the Middle School and Senior Ethics Olympiads. Information can be found on the attached flyer and/or on the competition's website. Prize money and prestige to be won! Cases are to be submitted directly to Ethics Olympiad by 24 April (Term 2, Week 10).

What Matters? Writing Competition

Inspired by Gough Whitlam’s commitment to involving young people in shaping Australia’s future, the What Matters? Writing competition is currently open to school students in Years 5 to 12 from Australia. Responding to the simple question ‘what matters?’, entrants are free to express their views on any matter they care about. Part writing exercise, part civics and citizenship activity, What Matters? is the perfect opportunity to empower students to raise their voices on issues that are important to them and know that their perspectives are valuable, no matter their age, background or viewpoint. Entries can be fiction, non-fiction, poetry or prose of up to 600 words, and submitted online. Please visit the website Whitlam Institute What Matters for more information, including samples of past winners. Major cash prizes to be won! Submission deadline is Friday, 15 May (Term 2, Week 13).

Political Perspectives Competition

Attention, budding artists, cartoonists, and political satirists. The Political & Legal Educators Association of Western Australia (PLEAWA) invites students in Years 7 to 10 to participate in the Political Perspectives Competition. Students are tasked with producing a creative piece that sheds light on a current issue relating to topics covered in Years 7 to 10 Civics & Citizenship. This creative piece can take the form of a poster, political cartoon, video, or other creative medium. Please visit the PLEAWA website for more information. Cash prizes to be won! Submission deadline Monday 1 June (Term 2, Week 16).