Debating Success
This term, MLC School was proud to see two of our own Old Girls return to the debating program—not as competitors, but as coaches. Esther Kim (2024) and Sarah Pearson (2022) brought their experience, enthusiasm, and deep understanding of debating to guide and inspire our younger students through a highly successful season.
The Friday Evening Debating (FED) Grand Final was held at St Joseph’s College, with MLC School proudly represented by three teams. While nerves were high, quiet confidence carried the day.
In the Grand Final, teams face a panel of three adjudicators and must choose their preferred topic from three options—after a coin toss determines their side. It’s a fast-paced process requiring sharp thinking and strategy.
Year 7A (Abira, Anaahat, Lauren, Elsa) argued the affirmative on “Children should support their parents financially in retirement.” Their compelling case earned them a unanimous win—no doubt pleasing many parents in the audience!
Year 9 (Taylor, Ingrid, Sarah, Pip, Bridget, Yolanda) had a standout season under the guidance of MLC School Old Girl Esther Kim, who made an impressive debut as coach. Their hard work and teamwork were rewarded with another unanimous win.
Year 10 (Yerina, Lindsay, Rebecca, Luella, Josephine), winners of the Year 9 and Year 8 trophies in previous years, rose to the challenge once again. Debating the affirmative on “The true crime genre has done more harm than good to society,” they drew on their passion for the genre to secure yet another unanimous victory.
Congratulations to the entire 40-strong FED team for a season filled with growth, teamwork, and success. A special thank you to Esther Kim (2024) for her inspiring leadership and for continuing the MLC School legacy through her coaching.
Meanwhile, our ten Year 6 debaters began the Independent Schools’ Debating Association (ISDA) competition in early February with little to no experience in competitive debating. Formed into two teams of five, each group trained under the guidance of dedicated coaches. Four months and many impressive wins later, both teams earned their place in the Grand Finals held last Friday evening.
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The ISDA competition is one of the most challenging school debating contests in Australia, so reaching the final two from a field of 32 teams is a major achievement.
Primary A (Peta, Rayna, Audrey, Caoimhe, Mikayla) took the Affirmative side against Knox Grammar on the motion “That we should not use AI at Primary and High schools.” It was a tightly contested debate judged by a panel of three. After a lengthy deliberation, our team narrowly lost in a 2–1 split decision—marking their first loss after 12 consecutive wins. A huge thank you to their coach, Angus, for his tireless support throughout the season.
Primary B (Alicia, Elana, Arielle, Audrey, Mariella) argued the Negative side on the same topic against Trinity Grammar. With a mixed-school audience and high tension, our team remained composed and delivered a strong case for the responsible use of AI in education. Their efforts were rewarded with a unanimous win, making them the 2025 champions of their division. Special thanks to their coach, MLC School Old Girl Sarah Pearson (2022), whose dedication and mentorship were instrumental in their success.
Overall, it was a stellar season for MLC School in the ISDA competition, with seven teams reaching the finals and four making it to the Quarter Finals. Thank you to all forty students for their commitment, and to the parents and carers who supported them every step of the way.
Click on the image gallery for full size images.
A special acknowledgment to both Esther Kim and Sarah Pearson for continuing the MLC School tradition of excellence and giving back through their coaching.
– Andrea Rowe
Oratory Coordinator