Extension Programs

Year 10 Ethics Olympiad

On Monday 31 May, select students from Year 10 competed against highly able students from Aquinas College, Ivanhoe Grammar School, Loreto College, Mentone Grammar School, Mornington Secondary College, Presbyterian Ladies College and Strathcona Girls Grammar in the day-long Senior Ethics Olympiad. This event was held virtually on Zoom.

During the day, all students were involved in a series of four Olympiad heats where teams had to take their own considered position in relation to ethical questions. Interestingly, in this forum students were permitted to agree with the opposing team’s point of view - and expand on it. This contrasts to debating, where opposing sides are taken. University philosophy lectures and ethicists judged the heats throughout the day. They were notably impressed by Aitken students’ ability to give considered responses using ethical theories.

Our students enjoyed sharing their views with fellow ‘Eth-letes’ from other schools and having robust discussions on specific ethical issues. This event offered them the opportunity to develop important skills in communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. All participating schools received case study material in the weeks leading up to the event. At Aitken we ran two lunchtime sessions in the Learning Centre which were fully and enthusiastically attended by the Year 10 students. Andrew S, Breeannen Z, Christopher K, Kaylah D are to be congratulated on their participation in the event.

Feedback from a student involved:

By Kaylah D (Year 10)

The Victorian Ethics Olympiad Competition offered a multitude of lifelong skills and pushed our team out of our comfort zone. In the lead up to the event, we met twice a week in the Learning Centre to study eight ethical cases.

Despite the technical difficulties of competing online, the ethics event was incredibly insightful. We were presented with a question related to each case. As a team and together with the other teams, we had to construct the best possible answer. It was inspiring listening to students from schools around Victoria respond to the distinct cases with sophisticated viewpoints. Over the course of the day, our team presented stronger and more valuable arguments and counter- arguments. The general environment was extremely positive, and the judges/moderators were all so kind and encouraging. The follow-up questions that they raised were completely valid and challenged us to delve deeper into the cases.

The Ethics Olympiad was a worthwhile experience. Even though it posed many challenges with everyone being at home, our team was able to work through the obstacles to the very end. I’m honestly so proud of all our efforts, persistence and courage throughout the training and competition.

Mrs Mary Ann Di Martino

Head of Faculty Extension Programs