message from the principal

Plain English Speaking Award

Karen Harris

Principal

Congratulations to An Dang (Year 11) who competed in the State Finals of the Plain English Speaking Award on Friday July 26.

An won the State Final and on August 10 represented Victoria at the National Final in Brisbane where she competed against other students (aged 15–18 years) from government, Catholic and independent schools across the country. 

An's achievement at this level of competition is all the more remarkable when you consider the way in which she delivered her speech.  The title of her work was The Hidden Language which focused on how isolating it can be for those who are not able to participate in a common language. To emphasise her message, An interpreted her speech into Auslan as she delivered it to her audience.

To do this, An first wrote her speech. She then taught herself Auslan sign language and interpreted the speech ensuring that her message was not altered or corrupted. Then An put this all together - continually rehearsing and refining her presentation.  Coached and mentored by Dr Marianne Hicks (BSC Public Speaking & Debating Coordinator),  An made sure that her message was communicated clearly and succinctly.

Added to the pressure of performing her own piece under competition conditions,  the PESA also judges competitors on the delivery of a 3 minute impromptu speech - after being informed of the topic and and given just 4 minutes to prepare! 

An's immense success at being judged the Victorian State winner  of the Plain English Speaking Award  demonstrates her high work practices, her commitment to excellence and her ability to not only face challenges, but to seek them out for herself. 

On behalf of the broader BSC community, we applaud her efforts!

You can also read about An's success in the Victorian Curriculum & Assessement Authority  (VCAA) bulletin - click HERE.