ASCA Excellence Awards Ceremony

ASCA Excellence Awards Ceremony

The (ASCA) Australian Speech Communication Association Awards Ceremony was held at Ravenswood School for Girls on Saturday. The Award winners were presented with a medal and certificate.

The ASCA awards of Excellence are a prestigious recognition of outstanding achievement in speech, communication, and performance. It celebrates students who have demonstrated exceptional growth, confidence, and skill throughout their journey with ASCA. We are immensely proud of all our students for their dedication, hard work and enthusiasm in Speech and Drama. Every student is deserving of an award, however only a small number of students can be selected each year and are also recommended by the ASCA Examiner.

Centre Medals: 

  • Senior – Anna Poortvliet (Year 9) and Chelsea Keomanivong (Year 9)
  • Junior – Elizabeth Feng (Year 4)
  • Studio Medal – Zoe Zlamal (Year 8)
  • Achievement Medal – Sahana Ramesh (Year 8)

Studio Medals for ASCA Certificate of Communication students

  • Chloe Kypreos (Year 12), Julia Zarlenga (Year 12), Bella Nguyen (Year 9) and Josephine Doan (Year 11)

Congratulations to Year 12 students outstanding result in ASCA Professional Qualification

A huge congratulations to our Year 11 and 12 students, Chloe Kypreos, Julia Zarlenga, Bella Nguyen and Josephine Doan who completed their ASCA Certificate of Communication and final exam of their ASCA and Speech and Drama journey.  Each student achieved exceptional results all over 92% These well-deserved results are a testament to the hard work and dedication demonstrated by our students over many years.

The Australian Speech Communication Association (ASCA) is an internationally recognised National Examining Board offering exams in performance and communication. Upon completing ASCA Grades 6-8, students can earn the prestigious ASCA Certificate of Communication, allowing them to use the professional title Cert.Comm ASCA after their name.

This certificate serves as a professional qualification, showcasing advanced oral communication skills. It is particularly beneficial for school leavers, professionals in business, lecturers, public speakers, and individuals in other professional fields.

We also have 5 Year 12 students completing their ATCL Trinity College of London Diploma in Speech and Drama, Performance and Communication. The Diploma is also a professional qualification, including option to apply ATCL after their name.

ASCA and TRINITY Exams will be held at the end of Term 3 (Year 3 to Year 5) and in Term 4 (Year 6 to Year 12) this year.

Student and Parent Reflections:

“Being part of Speech and Drama at MLC School Burwood has been one of the most constant and meaningful parts of my time at school. Over the years, it’s become more than just performance — it’s shaped how I think, how I interpret texts, and how I communicate ideas with clarity and intention. 

Through countless eisteddfods and competitions, I’ve had the chance to challenge myself and grow, learning how to handle both pressure and success. Completing my ASCA examinations, and eventually the Certificate of Communication (Cert. Comm), felt like a natural progression of that journey rather than a final goal — it reflected the consistency and effort built up over time.

I’m incredibly grateful to all the teachers and staff in the Speech and Drama department for their support and guidance. In particular, Ms Monica Brian, Head of Speech and Drama, has had such a significant impact on my development. Her dedication, insight, and constant encouragement have shaped not only my skills, but also my confidence in my own voice, and I genuinely wouldn’t be where I am without her. 

For anyone considering Speech and Drama, I’d really encourage you to give it a go. It’s not just about performing — it’s about developing skills you’ll carry into so many areas of life, while being part of a supportive and inspiring environment. Looking back, it’s something I’m really glad I committed to.”

– Josephine Doan (Year 11)

“I was delighted to hear that I got the Centre Medal for Speech and Drama. The Centre Medal is in recognition of significant achievements in Speech and Drama, and I couldn’t have done it without the support and dedication of my teachers, Ms Fort and Ms Brian . Every week, I really look forward to my Speech and Drama lessons.  I feel like it’s my chance to be someone I usually am not – like a Witch, a Soul Snatcher or a funny character from a Poem. 

As my mum drove me to Ravenswood on Saturday, I was so excited and nervous at the same time. While I was waiting in line outside the auditorium to get my award, I could hear two people performing. First, I heard this cool Science talk, then I heard a monologue. They were all so good and inspiring!  

All in all, I am so grateful that I can do Speech and Drama while having so much fun at the same time! This award encourages me to keep doing what I enjoy and try my best every time I perform!“

– Elizabeth Feng (Year 4)

“Being part of the Speech and Drama Studio has been an enjoyable experience. Through this journey, I have developed confidence, communication skills, and the ability to express myself clearly in front of an audience. Taking part in ASCA exams has also helped me challenge myself and improve.

Attending the ASCA award ceremony at Ravenswood was a memorable experience. It was an honour to represent MLC School and be part of the event.”

– Sahana Ramesh (Year 8)

“Our family truly appreciates the opportunity for our children to experience and learn Speech and Drama at MLC School! To be able to be taught by such well-regarded and respected teachers is a privilege and we are very grateful for the opportunity! We feel the Speech and Drama Studio is like a second family – all 3 kids have gone or is going through and they all absolutely revere in the program. Thank you so much Monica and all the wonderful teachers!!! “

– Cindy Ji (Parent)

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