Magis Report
Debating Update
A series of development seminars were held this week, in preparation for the 2026 debating season. Round 1 of the WA Debating League (WADL) Schools Debating Competition (SDC) will be held on Tuesday, 17 March (Week 7) 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. Whilst the all schools draw can be accessed through Tabbycat, we will be publishing our College fixtures in the newsletter in the lead up to each round, including each team’s speaker order (which is determined by the students). Below is a copy of our Round 1 fixtures, along with a map of Shenton College. We wish our debating teams the best of luck with their first debate for 2026.
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).
