Magis report 

Last Sunday, a delegation of Magis students (some pictured below) attended the WA Young Leaders Summit, in conjunction with UN Youth Australia. These summits focus on a wide range of topics that young people are interested in, from gender to geopolitics. This year’s theme was future space exploration and international relations. 

Zachary Sartorello (Year 8) said:

The WA Young Leaders Summit was such a great experience. To be surrounded by like-minded people, who want to learn about how to make our world a better place, was thoroughly rewarding. We were taught how to make our world more sustainable and accessible by using space, and this has opened my eyes to a new realm of learning. It was so much fun, and I can't wait to do it again next year!

Nathan Riolino (Year 7) said:  

I really enjoyed the Leaders Summit and learned a lot about space law and governance. My favourite workshop was the interactive problem-solving session, where we considered different countries perspectives to war and how it affects them. Am very grateful for the opportunity to represent the College at this event.

WA Debating League Update

The 2024 WA Debating League Schools Debating Competition is almost upon us. Round 1 will commence for our teams on Tuesday, 19 March (Week 8). Rounds 1 to 5 will be held at Christ Church Grammar School (CCGS), with debates commencing at 5:15pm, 6:15pm or 7:15pm (the final debate should conclude by 8:30pm). Below is a copy of our team fixtures, which students have access to through Teams. Please note that some changes may be made in the course of the season due to postponements, forfeits etc. Parents can also find a copy of the full SDC draw on the WADL website. 

Rounds 1 and 2, for all debating teams, will be prepared debates, meaning students will receive the topic one week prior to their debate. Round 3 to 5 debates will be impromptu, which means that topics will be provided one hour before the debate with teams preparing their cases independently of external support, including the internet. For impromptu rounds, students will be required to arrive at the debating venue at least one hour before their scheduled debate time. Friends and family are not permitted in the preparation room but are more than welcome to watch the debates.

Success in debating is not solely determined by securing a place in the finals but rather by the development of students’ critical thinking skills and team strategies over the course of the five preliminary rounds. The WA Debating League provides detailed feedback to students after each debate. We ask that students record this feedback and take on board the advice that is given. We wish all our debating students the best of luck with the 2024 competition. 

MAGIS: OPPORTUNITIES TO DO MORE!

World Scholars Cup

Expressions of interest are now open for the annual World Scholar’s Cup. This is a BIG commitment, so we have asked students to take the time to carefully consider whether this competition is best for them. The World Scholar's Cup is a global academic competition that challenges students to explore diverse topics and skills. More than 15,000 students from over 65 countries participate every year. Students compete in teams of three at a Regional Round (31 May - 1 June), with the top performing teams qualifying for a Global Round (for example: Bangkok Global Round 29 August – 5 September 5). The top-performing teams at Globals will then qualify for the Tournament of Champions, which is held at Yale University in the US (9-22 November). Please check out the WSC website for information concerning the different events teams compete in, as well as a copy of the 2024 curriculum, which students will need to learn on top of their schoolwork and other co-curricular/family commitments. Expressions of interest are to be emailed to the Head of Magis by Monday 25 March (Week 9).

Ethics Olympiad Case Writing Awards 

Ethics Olympiad are holding a case writing competition with prize money to be won. Submissions should follow the general format for Ethics Olympiad cases: a scenario, between 400 and 800 words long, which highlights a clear moral issue and is appropriate for middle or high-school students and is written in a way that encourages civil discourse. The scenario should be framed so the central issue is clearly moral and not simply or primarily legal or professional. Knowledge of the structure of the Ethics Olympiad competition is important. If you haven’t taken part previously, I would encourage you to either speak to a student who has competed or contact the Head of Magis for more information (copies of past cases can be provided). Entries must be submitted by email to the Head of Magis by Friday, 19 April (Week 10). 

UN Youth - WA State Conference

UN Youth WA State Conference is a three-day event for passionate young people to gather from across Western Australia. The theme for this year’s conference is ‘The Future of Your Democracy’. Students will discuss some of the most important issues facing our global community and develop a greater understanding of the role they can play in shaping our global future. Open to students in Years 9 to 12, the conference will be held at Seaside Camp on Friday 19 April to Sunday 21 April (Week 10). The cost of the conference is $260 per person (all-inclusive of food and accommodation). If a weekend of leadership, diplomacy, and advocacy sounds good to you, then join other like-minded youths at the 2024 State Conference. For further information please click on the link: WA State Conference | UN Youth Australia or speak with the Head of Magis.

Plain English Speaking Award

The Plain English Speaking Award is a public speaking competition open to senior secondary school students (Years 11 and 12). It was created to encourage the best use of the English language in Australian schools. Taking part has been recognised by thousands of young people as a valuable experience and, for the participants and winners, a worthy mention in their resume. We will be selecting two students to represent our College in the State Semi-Final next term. If selected, students will need to prepare an eight-minute speech on a topic of their choice. At the competition, students will also deliver a three-minute impromptu speech. The topic to be given by the adjudicator on the day. The winner of the state final will represent the state and their school at the national final in Sydney, with the winner of the national final to represent Australia in an international competition conducted by the English-Speaking Union in London. Expressions of interest are to be emailed to the Head of Magis before Monday 22 April (Week 11).

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 click here for more information, or speak with the Head of Magis.

Entries close Friday 17 May (Week 14).

Term 1 Calendar

You can keep up to date with Magis events by following the Term 1 calendar, which can be accessed by clicking on the link below. 

Daisy Farley

Head of Magis - Gifted & Talented Program