Extra-curricular

Debating and Public Speaking

On Tuesday evening, students of the Auburn High School Debating and Public Speaking Club competed in the 2021 Ainger Peck Public Speaking Award, which is a major competition run by the Richmond Rotary Club.  The event was attended by Dannielle Gibson and I, along with supportive parents.  Students prepared a four-minute speech on a topic of their choice and were judged on the quality of their verbal communication and delivery.  We had three students who proudly and confidently represented Auburn High School.  Phoebe delivered a speech on the need for more youth mental health support, Caroline’s speech called for age-appropriate sexual education at a younger age and Sophie articulated the future dangers of artificial intelligence.

With over 80 students from local schools competing across four nights, there was an impressive and high-quality cohort of speakers.  Phoebe, Caroline and Sophie worked diligently in their preparation, and this was evident last night.  Phoebe won the Encouragement Award for the honesty, courage and vulnerability of her speech.  Congratulations to all our Auburn competitors, and well done on representing Auburn High School with excellence.  Additionally, well done to Hamish Gilsenan,Year 9F, who prepared and delivered a strong persuasive speech as part of an online Debaters Association of Victoria competition.