Language Arts
To all our Language Arts parents and students: thanks for an amazing Term 1. Enjoy the holiday break!
ISDA Debating
Round 7 took place at Tangara last Friday 5 April. Despite the challenging weather conditions, we’re grateful to all who attended. We achieved victory in seven out of the eight debates.
Please note that there will be NO debates this week on Friday 12 April.
For Year 12 Senior A ISDA, there will be an online Round 5 make-up debate against Brigidine College on Wednesday 1 May, in lower KM. Times will be emailed to parents and students.
Similarly, Year 11 Senior B ISDA will have an online Round 6 make-up debate against Abbotsleigh on Friday 3 May, in the Middle Colonnades. Times will also be communicated via email.
Following these make-up debates, the finals will commence.
The Octo 1 Final is scheduled for Friday 10 May. Teams advancing to this round will receive notification accordingly.
FED Debating
Round 6 took place last Friday 5 April, at Pymble in KM, with Sydney Girls’ High as our guests.
Please note that there will be NO Debates this week, on Friday 12 April.
Originally scheduled for Wednesday 1 May, the Year 12 Senior A FED Round 4 make-up against Trinity has been rescheduled to Wednesday 8 May.
Additionally, Year 11 Senior B FED is likely to have a make-up debate on Wednesday 1 May, pending confirmation from Sydney Boys’ High.
Parents and debaters will receive email notifications confirming make-up dates and times.
Round 7: Please note that there will be NO FED debating on Friday 3 May. Instead, a complete make-up round will take place on Friday 10 May, with Pymble visiting Tara. A bus will be available to transport debaters to Tara; tickets must be purchased through Co-curricular Sports Administration (CCSA). Parents are still required to collect their daughters at the conclusion of their debates.
Transport: Buses will be arranged to most away venues. Parents should arrange for the collection of students following debates, as students are not permitted to travel home via public transport without adult supervision. Parents are welcome to attend their daughter’s debates.
Absences: Debaters must notify their coach, Mrs. Hubbard, coach in advance if they will be absent for a round. We do not forfeit matches, and substitutes can be arranged.
Representative Achievements: Congratulations to Alice Mao (Year 10) and Amy Zhang (Year 11) for their outstanding performance in the Cambridge Debate finals held in Cambridge last month. Well done!
Congratulations to our Junior teams for their participation in the International Competition for Young Debaters (ICYD) held on Sunday 24 March. ICYD, organised in collaboration with the Oxford Union, provides a platform for high-level debates among students aged 15 and under, spanning from Years 7 to Year 10. The competition draws participants from East Asia, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.
We commend our teams for their outstanding efforts and congratulate them on achieving fourth place. Well done, debaters!
Lauren Korenblyum (Year 11) competed in Lions Youth of the Year, on Sunday 24 March. Lauren won this second tier and proceeded to the next level last Sunday. Unfortunately, she was eliminated but we wish to congratulate Lauren on her fine achievement.
Catherine Shi (Year 11) and Isis Li (Year 10) will compete in the UN Voice National Finals in April.
Public Speaking
We extend our gratitude to everyone who participated in the auditions. Estelle Lee (Year 8), Leahara Wijesuriya (Year 8), and Arabella Hoang (Year 7) proudly represented Pymble in the Junior division of Rostrum, while Madeleine Watson (Year 11), Jenny Xu (Year 10), and Evelyn Zhu (Year 11) took the stage for the Senior division. Pymble hosted the Rostrum final, featuring 14 heats, on the afternoon and evening of Wednesday 3 April. Congratulations to all participants, with special recognition to Estelle for winning her heat and to Madeleine for securing the runner-up position.
57th Session of THIMUN – The Hague, January 2025
We are thrilled to announce that the Pymble Language Arts International Tour group has been selected as the first Australian school to attend this prestigious event. Details regarding the tour will be provided early next term. In preparation for the trip, the library has curated a reading list to help our travellers delve into the rich culture and stories of the destinations they will be visiting.
Please note that one student has withdrawn from the tour. If your child will be in Year 9 or above in 2025 and is interested in participating, please contact Mrs. Hubbard. The tour will include visits to London, Bruges, Amsterdam, and The Hague.
Upcoming Debating Programs
Archdale Debating – Terms 2 and 3
Social Debating Classes – Semester 2
IDC Debating Term 2
Bronwyn Hubbard
Head of Language Arts