Director of Learning and Teaching

The Value of Voice

At College, we recognise that education extends far beyond the classroom. Opportunities to develop critical thinking, articulate ideas, and engage in respectful discourse are central to a well-rounded academic experience. This week, a group of our students had the opportunity to represent College at the annual Independent Country Co-education Schools (ICCES) Debating Competition, hosted by Bacchus Marsh Grammar.

Debating is more than a contest of words — it is a powerful tool for learning. It nurtures confidence, deepens understanding, and fosters the ability to see issues from multiple perspectives. Through structured argument and collaborative preparation, students hone their research skills, build persuasive arguments, and learn to communicate with clarity and conviction.

Participation in events like ICCES provides students with experiences that challenge and inspire. Whether stepping up to the lectern for the first time or refining well-practised skills, each student embraced the challenge with optimism and courage.

ICCES Debating Competition

Once again, I had the privilege of taking a dedicated group of young Collegians to the ICCES debating competition. This year, we were fortunate enough to field two junior teams along with our senior team. From debates about laptops in schools, to Australia’s reliance on the US for salvation, our students were able to demonstrate critical thinking, research literacy, and excellent public speaking skills. Most importantly, this wonderful group of young people were able to demonstrate College’s values, and I am most proud of the resilience and optimism they have shown throughout their participation in this program. Please enjoy the student reflections below.

Miss Sarah MacLeod 

Starting with an early wake-up was not fun; however, the three-and-a-half-hour drive certainly woke us up. We arrived at Bacchus Marsh Grammar and were taken into a room where we each finalised our speeches. Everyone’s speeches sounded amazing, and we were ready to start debating. I had two speeches, and I lost both; however, each adjudicator had some very interesting discussions about how we could improve, and I am thrilled to have been a part of this opportunity. A big thank you to Miss MacLeod for taking us.

Pip Mecham, Year 8

After an early to start to get on the bus, our first debate at Bacchus Marsh Grammar was against Goulburn Valley Grammar School. We argued hard on the affirmative side of “Community Service should be mandatory in secondary schools” however we were defeated by three points. Our second debate against Highview was on the topic “Australia must stop looking to the USA for salvation” competing as the negative team. After a valiant effort from the affirmative side, we emerged victorious by three points. ICCES is always a great opportunity to hone our debating skills and meet people from schools around the state, such as playing card games with the students from the Girton Grammar. A huge congratulations to our junior debaters for all their efforts, especially to those who were doing their first-ever debates. A special thank you as well to Leila Robertson and Grace Haldane who stepped up into the senior debate team in the absence of one of our debaters. 

Phoebe Baker, Year 11

Debating and Public Speaking Captain