Debating & Public Speaking

Public speaking and debating develops students' oral and written communication skills, research and teamwork skills. Through public speaking and debating students engage in the artistry of oratory, learn to effectively present a point of view and also develop in confidence.

There are a number of opportunities for students from years 7 to 12 to be involved in public speaking and debating, both within the College and external to the College.

1. Public Speaking

Internal

• Inter-house public speaking competition

External

• Year 7 to 9 Legacy public speaking competition
• Year 12 VCAA Plain speaking competition
• Frayne Festival: A gathering of students from schools around Victoria founded in the traditions of Mercy education. Students represent the College in the following categories:
  1. Public Speaking (year 12)
  2. Debating (year 11)
  3. Speech choir (Year 9 and 10)

2. Debating

Debating is strongly supported at Mercy College. Each team that represents the College are provided with support from teachers who act as debating coaches.

Internal     

     

• Inter-house debating
• Staff/Student debates

     

External     

     

• The Debaters Association of Victoria (DAV) Junior Secondary program (year 7 and 8)

• DAV Debating Competition (Years 9 to 12)  

• Each year we have a number of teams involved in debating at each year level.
• Mercy College is the host school for the Coburg region
• Many of our teams over the years have reached the finals. In recent years a number of students have shown remarkable achievement by being nominated Best Speaker and winning a DAV Swanee award.

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