Debating Update: End of 2026 Season

As the Debating season draws to a close, I would like to acknowledge the dedication of our students and coaches, who have been engaged in debates almost continuously since early February. Our most recent event was the selection trials for the 2026 Year 8–Year 12 competition debating teams, while trials for Year 6 and Year 7 will take place in Week 2 of Term 1 next year. All eligible students will be sent an email in Week 1 with a link to register for these trials.

Last Friday, eight of our teams participated in the IDC finals. Reaching the Octo-finals and Quarter Finals is a significant accomplishment. The Year 6 MLC 3 team showed great determination in their Quarter Final but were narrowly defeated. In the Junior division, the MLC 13 and MLC 10 Year 8 teams both competed in the Octo-finals, with MLC 12 advancing to the Quarter Final before being eliminated.

In the Senior division, four teams competed in the Octo-finals. MLC 16 (Year 9) concluded their season at this stage, while MLC 15 (Year 9), MLC 17 (Year 10), and MLC 18 (Year 11) advanced to the Quarter Finals. Despite the challenge of participating in back-to-back debates, all three teams performed admirably. MLC 15 and MLC 17 faced each other in the Quarter Final, with MLC 15 (Year 9) emerging victorious. Our most senior team, MLC 18, progressed to the Semi Finals.

This Friday, two Senior teams will compete in the Semi Finals, with the opportunity to participate in the Grand Final should they succeed.

I extend my sincere gratitude to all parents and carers for their unwavering support of our debaters and coaches throughout what has been MLC School’s most successful debating year to date.

– Dr Andrea Rowe
Oratory Co-ordinator