Magis Report 

WA Debating League

Round 1 of the 2026 WA Debating League (WADL) Schools Debating Competition (SDC) was held on Tuesday night at Shenton College – and the atmosphere was electric! There was a great energy and a wonderful sense of camaraderie amongst the students. Our teams debated contemporary topics centred on the theme of politics: 

• This House would lower the voting age in Australia to 16; and

• This House believes that countries with poor human rights records should not be allowed to host major sporting events (e.g. Olympics, FIFA, etc.)

   

For some of our debating students, it was their first time competing. Year 7 student, Grace Jennings, said:

'My first time debating was a nerve-wracking but rewarding experience. As third speaker, most of my speech was rebuttal, meaning that I had to write it during the debate. Being put on the spot like this taught me quick thinking skills in an environment I have never been in before. This made the feeling of finishing my speech and winning the debate a great accomplishment.' 

Year 10 student, James Sommerfield, said: 

'Coming into my fourth year of debating it's certainly becoming easier, and more natural. Whilst there were still some nerves, it was great to get back into the swing of things. Was proud of my team’s performance, and we’re looking forward to the impromptu rounds.'

Whilst one of our teams received a last-minute postponement to the Make-Up Rounds, it was overall an outstanding start to the 2026 season, with 9 debate wins and 2 very narrow losses! Special thanks to Mr Webber for his assistance on the night. Our debating students are now preparing for Round 2, which will be held on Tuesday, 31 March (Week 9). This will be the final ‘prepared round’ for the season, with students progressing to the ‘impromptu’ format for Rounds 3-5. Our Round 2 debate topic will be released on Monday – so debating students, stay tuned!

What’s happening next week?

Round 1 of the WA Law Society Mock Trial Competition will be held on Wednesday evening at the WA Supreme Court – and we wish our Mock Trials team the best of luck with their criminal trial. Years 7 to 10 student representatives will take part in the first Magis Academic Challenge for 2026. This challenge will test students on ‘Spelling’. There will also be meetings for the following competitions: WADL SDC; da Vinci and World Scholars. A busy week indeed!

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.

UN Youth State Conference

UN Youth’s State and Territory Conferences are overnight events that bring together students from across a region to explore a complex and interesting topic in international affairs, law, and global politics. Conferences combine a range of workshops, speaker panels, case study explorations, and signature UN Youth activities, including Interactive Problem Solving and model UN debates. The 2026 Conference theme is The Age of New Energy. The global energy transition is one of the biggest collective projects humanity has ever undertaken, demanding cooperation among governments, industry, and communities alike. Students will dive into how technology, politics, and public opinion collide to shape the future of energy. The State and Territory conferences will allow students to gain valuable insight from immersive educational experiences and develop skills to form and defend their own stances on issues, an increasingly important skill in international politics today. Expressions of interest must detail why you would like to represent the College at this year's State Conference. We will be selecting a small delegation to attend. Nominations close Monday, 23 March (Week 8). Please note: The WA State Conference will be held Friday, 1 May – Sunday, 3 May (Term 2, Week 11) at Seaside Camp for Children, Rockingham.

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).