The power of the spoken word MELISSA BARNES, LEADER OF LEARNING (YEARS 9 -12)
The ability to confidently and fluently express an opinion and influence others is a crucial communication skill that supports success across many domains. The Senior School offers many opportunities for students to work upon their oracy skills, increasing in complexity and challenge as students gain experience. Students’ voice is always of great importance, and we provide many ways to hone their public speaking skills. For example, our School Captains and Prefects organise and run School Assemblies and our Sports, Debating and Music Captains keep us updated on the news. Our House Captains and Prefects organise, entertain and encourage their Houses. At the House level, students engage in fiercely
22 Ad Astra Issue No 142
contested debates and our School debating team has been remarkably successful in the last few years. Last year five out of seven teams made it to playoffs, with one progressing to finals. Many adults would hesitate in their position, sometimes speaking to hundreds of their peers and teachers. The Bond University Mooting Competition allowed Georgia Phung and Agnes Ambrose to practice their advocacy and oracy skills in a mock trial, with the girls making it to the semi-finals. Speaking opportunities are not limited to English. We recognise Hannah Phung’s remarkable efforts in The Chinese Bridge (Hanyu Qiao) Chinese Proficiency Competition. It is
an annual worldwide Chinese speaking and performance competition where she placed 1st in Victoria and 2nd in the National Competition. She will represent Australia in the international competition (hopefully) in China. One of the great pleasures of teaching is watching our students transform from quavering voices and shaking hands to articulate presenters of their firmly held and deeply researched ideas. As they step towards adulthood, it is a privilege to watch their journey into confidence and conviction. We are proud of their spoken words.
