MLC School Speech and Drama Students Excel!
From Junior to Senior – MLC School Speech and Drama students take out 1st Place at the Ryde Eisteddfod!
We are thrilled to announce that Speech and Drama students Rachel Rodrigues (Year 4) and Jordan Vo (Year 12) proudly represented MLC School at the Ryde Eisteddfod, with both students achieving 1st Place. Rachel was awarded 1st Place in Character Recital, while Jordan achieved 1st Place in Verse Speaking. Jordan also received 2nd Place in Character Recital, and Rachel was awarded a Highly Commended in Mime.
Rachel Rodrigues (Year 4) has demonstrated remarkable dedication throughout the eisteddfod season, competing in numerous sections across the Ryde, Inner West and Parramatta Eisteddfods. She has achieved two 1st Place awards, along with several Highly Commended awards. Rachel was also the only MLC School student to compete in the Inner West Eisteddfod Scholarship, narrowly missing a placing after delivering an outstanding performance.
Rachel’s final eisteddfod performance will be in the Ryde Eisteddfod Championship next week, where she will once again proudly represent MLC School. She is also preparing for her upcoming ASCA (Australian Speech Communication Association) examination. We are incredibly proud of Rachel’s enthusiasm, commitment and dedication to Speech and Drama.
Jordan Vo (Year 12) was awarded 1st Place for Verse Speaking at the Ryde Eisteddfod, where she delivered a powerful performance of Elm by Sylvia Plath. Her compelling performance of Lady Macbeth in the Shakespeare category earned her 2nd Place at Ryde and 3rd Place at the Inner West Eisteddfod last term.
Jordan will represent MLC School in the Rotary Championship at the Ryde Eisteddfod next week. Having returned to Speech and Drama this year after many years since her involvement in the Junior School, Jordan has embraced the opportunity to develop her performance skills. Her experience competing in Senior Poetry at the IGSA Festival of Speech last year sparked her interest in returning to Speech and Drama, which has also provided a valuable creative outlet alongside her IB studies. You can read Jordan’s reflection below.
Rachel and Jordan are wonderful role models for the MLC School community. We are so proud of their achievements and wish them every success in the Championships next week.
We are also incredibly proud of the 200 Speech and Drama students who represented MLC School across the Ryde, Inner West, Parramatta and Sydney Eisteddfods this year. Every student performed with focus, passion and enthusiasm, demonstrating the confidence, creativity and resilience nurtured through the Speech and Drama program.
It is always inspiring to watch our students transition from classroom to stage, developing not only their performance skills but also their confidence, communication skills and love of performance.
‘When you think of Year 12, a few images are bound to come up: exam halls, the MLC School jersey, maybe pigtails on the last first day back. But for me, some of my most vivid Year 12 memories have been Speech and Drama, which I started up again just this year. I know, at first, starting up a new co-curricular in Year 12 might not seem the wisest of decisions. I did Speech and Drama in the Junior School, but as I transitioned into high school, particularly this year, I was told over and over again that I “wouldn’t have time”, or that “this will be a distraction.”
But what I’ve learned this year is the key to working well is also playing well. I’ve found drama just that: a form of play. It’s been such a fun and enriching experience, practicing everything from verse poetry to monologues, and working with my fantastic teacher, Ms Brian. I’ve also loved the opportunity to participate in different Eisteddfods around Sydney, which was a new experience. What I found was when I felt stuck with studies, or burnt out from school, being able to step into another character’s shoes was actually the refreshment I needed to get back on track.
I’m so glad I didn’t stop pursuing co-curricular in Year 12. I don’t think this year would have been the same without having those precious moments to take a breath, step away from schoolwork, and be present as an actor and performer. Like closing the curtain momentarily on my academic stress and replacing it with a stage curtain, so I could return with fresh eyes.’
– Jordan Vo (Year 12)
If you are interested in joining any of our Speech and Drama programs next term, please contact The Speech and Drama Studio.
Upcoming events:
ASCA Junior speech and drama examinations – Term 3
- Thursday 10 September and Friday 11 September 2026 (Week 8), and
- Tuesday 15 September 2026 (Week 9)
September Holiday production
Mon 21 September to Friday 25 September 2026 (5 days)
– Monica Brian
Speech and Drama Studio Director