British Paliamentary Tournament Results

British Paliamentary Tournament Results

During the previous term, Wednesday training sessions for our debating students featured an internal tournament conducted in the British Parliamentary format. The tournament included both Junior (Year 7 and Year 8) and Senior (Year 9 to Year 11) divisions. Students were allocated into pairs, with coaches intentionally mixing year groups within teams. Initial reluctance was observed, as some students preferred debating alongside their friends; however, the mixed-year arrangement ultimately proved highly beneficial, fostering mentorship opportunities and skill development as senior students supported their younger peers. By the conclusion of eight rounds of debating, it was encouraging to witness participants from Years 7 to Year 11 engaging collaboratively and discussing school life.

On Wednesday, the top four teams from each division competed in the Grand Final to determine the inaugural champions of the BP tournament, whose names would be inscribed on the trophies. In addition, prizes were awarded to the best speakers in each year group across all eight rounds of debate.

Junior Division

The motion for the Junior Grand Final was: ‘That Humankind should strive for Immortality’. Teams received only 15 minutes to prepare, emphasising the need for adaptability and quick thinking throughout the debate. A panel of four experienced coaches adjudicated the event and commended the quality of arguments presented, noting significant improvement in debating skills among Year 7 and Year 8 participants. After deliberation, the Junior Division champions – representing the Closing Opposition – were Jasmine Luo (Year 7) and Isabella Zhou (Year 8).

Best Speakers Awards

Year 7

  • Jasmine Luo – 1st
  • Sissi Zheng – 2nd 
  • Jacqui Zhang – 3rd

Year 8

  • Jenny Chen – 1st
  • Audrey Buck – 2nd
  • Summer Nguyen – 3rd

Senior Division

For the Senior Grand Final, the motion was: ‘That, as an educated woman, we would prefer to live in a poor democracy rather than a wealthy authoritarian state.’ This complex topic required nuanced consideration of womens’ experiences and international affairs. The debate was dynamic, and the panel of adjudicators deliberated extensively before announcing the winners. Ultimately, the Closing Government team of Nina Hespe (Year 9) and Meena Kantharas (Year 10) secured victory.

Best Speakers Awards

Year 9

  • Katherine Woo – 1st
  • Veronica Pan – 2nd
  • Ingrid Henderson – 3rd

Year 10

  • Meena Kanthathas – 1st
  • Joanne Chen – 2nd
  • Alana Mellare – 3rd

Year 11

  • Elena Tulloch – 1st
  • Isabelle Millgate – 2nd
  • Amelia Tchan – 3rd

Many of our debaters are scheduled to participate in the International Debating Championships (IDC), commencing this Friday evening. Eighteen teams from Year 5 to Year 11 will engage in online debates against teams from Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and India. This represents another valuable opportunity for students to enhance their knowledge and skills throughout the term, culminating in trials for the 2026 competition debating teams in late November.

– Andrea Rowe
Oratory Coordinator