MLC School Debating Teams Triumph at Grand Finals

MLC School Debating Teams Triumph at Grand Finals

Last Friday evening marked a significant occasion for MLC School, with a double Grand Final event in competitive debating. Beginning their journey in early February, sixteen teams across the FED and ISDA competitions demonstrated remarkable commitment and perseverance throughout the season. Their hard work paid off as fourteen of the sixteen teams progressed to the finals series. Ultimately, two ISDA and two FED teams advanced to contend for the division champions trophies.

FED Competition Successes

The Year 10 FED team excelled in the preliminary rounds, participating in seven debates. They faced Tara in the Grand Final held at Sydney Girls High School and, in a unanimous decision, secured their division win for the third consecutive year.

  • Pip McGuire (Year 10)
  • Amy Doan (Year 10)
  • Bridget Cortis-Jones (Year 10)
  • Taylor Lu (Year 10)
  • Leanne Pham (Year 10)
  • Chloe Oh (Year 10)

Our Senior B team of Year 11 students have been champions for the past two years. This season, they maintained their undefeated status and delivered a strong performance in the Grand Final against Sydney Girls High School, winning unanimously from the three-adjudicator panel.

  • Riya Singh (Year 11)
  • Lindsay Zeng (Year 11)
  • Rebecca Ho-Bui (Year 11)
  • Josephine Doan (Year 11)
  • Yerina Kang (Year 11)
  • Luella Farah (Year 11)

ISDA Competition Highlights

In the ISDA competition, both the youngest and oldest teams qualified for the Grand Final after a challenging series of qualifying debates. The Primary A team of Year 6 debaters entered the Grand Final determined and successfully argued the Affirmative case against Kincoppal. They debated the topic ‘Students attending organised protests in school time should not be punished’ and proudly claimed the division champions trophy for 2026.

  • Emma Mo (Year 6)
  • Florence Everitt (Year 6)
  • Olivia Wang (Year 6)
  • Erin Chen (Year 6)
  • Nina Bai (Year 6)

The Senior A debate is always a highlight of the ISDA Grand Finals and, for the first time in eight years, an MLC School Year 12 team reached this stage. The team dedicated a lot of time and effort throughout the season alongside their coach, Brendan. This Grand Final marked their last debate representing MLC School after six years of high-level competition. Despite their outstanding preparation and performance, they were narrowly defeated by an excellent team from Knox Grammar.

  • Elena Tulloch (Year 12)
  • Amelia Tchan (Year 12)
  • Elena Sun (Year 12)
  • Jordan Vo (Year 12)
  • Harriet Hahn (Year 12)

Overall, this season has been highly successful for our eighty ISDA and FED debaters. We extend our sincere gratitude to all parents and carers for their ongoing support, including accommodating late-night transportation from schools throughout Sydney and their commitment to attending debates as dedicated supporters.

– Dr Andrea Rowe
Oratory Co-ordinator