From the Principal

In a world shaped by Artificial Intelligence (AI), knowledge alone is no longer enough. It is increasingly important for students to speak with influence because, while AI can help generate information, organise ideas and produce polished text, it cannot replace the distinctly human capacities of judgment, discernment, ethical reasoning, empathy, presence, and authentic voice.

Students need to be able to question what they read, test the strength of an argument, listen carefully to others, and communicate their own thinking with clarity, confidence, and integrity. Whether through debating, philosophy, public speaking, performance, or classroom discussion, learning to speak with influence teaches young people how to shape ideas, respond thoughtfully in the moment, and contribute meaningfully to the communities and conversations that matter.

MLC School has long had a reputation for excellence in debating and public speaking. This week we are enormously proud to celebrate our outstanding Debaters, who have won the IGSA Archdale Debating Shield for the fourth consecutive year.

The Archdale Debating Shield is one of the major debating competitions run by the Independent Girls’ Schools Association (IGSA) in New South Wales. It involves students from leading independent girls’ schools competing across different year levels in structured debates throughout the season and is strongly contested. This year, five MLC School teams qualified for the Grand Final and 4 of those teams were victorious on the night.

This remarkable achievement reflects not only the strength of debating at MLC School, but also the intellect, discipline, teamwork, and courage of our students. To sustain this level of excellence across four years is extraordinary and speaks to the depth of talent within the program, the dedication of our coaches and staff, and the students’ capacity to think critically, listen carefully, argue persuasively, and respond with agility under pressure. Congratulations to Oratory Coordinator, Andrea Rowe and her team of coaches and every student who has contributed to this success. Along with our achievements in other debating and oratory competitions, this win confirms the formidable reputation of our oratory program. and celebrates the place of debating as a powerful expression of learning, confidence, and voice at MLC School. 

Also demonstrating their ability to reason and communicate were the eight Year 9 and Year 10 students who recently represented MLC School at the Sydney Philosothon, engaging in thought-provoking discussions with students from across Sydney on a range of complex philosophical questions and ideas. Rather than debating to “win” an argument, students are assessed on the quality of their thinking: how carefully they listen, how clearly they reason, how respectfully they build on others’ ideas, and how thoughtfully they explore complex ethical, social, and philosophical questions.

After finishing in the top three at the Sydney competition, the team qualified for the National Philosothon, where they went on to achieve an impressive second place in the Junior Division. Congratulations to the team and to High Potential Learning Leader James Adams for introducing this opportunity for our young philosophers and preparing them for the competition.

– Lisa Moloney
Principal