The Ethics Olympiad

Years 10,11 & 12

What is the Ethics Olympiad?

The Ethics Olympiad is an initiative that brings together schools around the world to discuss interesting and relevant ethical issues. Emphasis is placed on civility, clear reasoning and cooperation between students. We will be attending a competition day involving schools from across NSW.

How does it Work?

Killara will select up to five students to compete against other schools in a round robin event, in which they will be presented a series of cases that demonstrate a variety of ethical dilemmas. The team will have had time to prepare for these cases. Each school will present their ethical case by responding to the situation through the answering of key questions. The opposing team will be given the opportunity to reply. Judges will mediate the contest and a winner will be decided on the day.

How can you get Involved?

This form is an expression of interest; by returning this you are showing that you are willing to attend trials and practice sessions in order to best prepare ourselves for the Olympiad itself.

Trials will be held on Friday March during lunchtime (Term 1, Week 6B). From this, we will select two teams to compete against each other in the final two weeks of the term and against other schools early in Term 3.

Important Points to Note: The Ethics Olympiad is not a debate. You are responding to an ethical situation as a team and presenting a case in response. You are demonstrating your understanding of the situation, the ethics and the morals that coincide with these. The goal is not to argue a single thesis, rather it is to explore all possibilities, perspectives and stakeholders, as well as ask informed questions about the cases and society at large. We will provide you with resources to best prepare you for the trials and the Olympiad itself.

You do not have to be a great public speaker to be a part of this. In fact, you do not have to speak to an audience at all. So long as you are contributing to your team within the discussion and preparation time, you will be a valuable member of the team.

Esther Bouchier

English Teacher