Language Arts

Debating

Thank you for your patience as we get an unprecedented number of Debating teams up and running. Please complete registrations as soon as possible via the online registration system.

ISDA and Friday Evening Debating (FED) Debating Competitions

One sleep to go! Rounds 1 and 2 FED and ISDA commence this Friday 14 February. Round 1 and 2 for both competitions will be hosted by Pymble. ISDA and FED team coaches have been in contact with girls to organise training times and meeting spots at venues. Programs will be available on the night and each team will have a specific prep and debating room.

Most students are collected at the conclusion of their debates. Please note that girls are not permitted to travel home on public transport without an adult.

Four girls are selected to debate in each team each week. If a team has more than four, every girl is expected to attend. When we host, all teams also need to provide a timer and chairperson, and this is usually the role of a fifth member or the coach.

Venues

ISDA debates will be held in the Kate Mason/Senior Studies centre, and FED debates will be held in the Upper School Common Room and surrounding RV, DK, and IH classrooms. Parents are welcome to watch ISDA and FED debates. Schedules and draws are in the registration information.

Catering

As we are double hosting Rounds 1 and 2, our tradition is that Language Arts parents cater when we double host. All debaters look forward to these highlight afternoon teas and suppers. If you can assist or would like to join our Language Arts parent support group, please contact Mrs Aimy Hoang. Here is the link to the WhatsApp group for parent supporters: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Gj7SRoMUOlaGPCayMt9QL6

Archdale, Social Debating, and International Debating Competition (IDC)

These competitions will commence later in the year. All the best to all FED and ISDA teams for a great season!

Public Speaking

Many girls have registered for our Public Speaking auditions to be held on Wednesday 19 and 26 February and 5 March. We look forward to hearing a variety of speeches.

TEDx classes resumed on Saturday with a morning and now an afternoon class. Wednesday Public Speaking classes resumed last week with a senior and a junior class. Waiting lists are currently available.

Model United Nations (MUN)

PMUN has commenced for the year and girls meet at lunch in DK06. This is a student led Model United Nations club which discusses current affairs and prepares for MUN conferences, both internally and with other schools in the area. All are welcome and we would love to see new faces.

It is hard to believe we have been back a week now from our whirl of a tour around London, Brussels, Ghent, Bruges, Amsterdam, and The Hague. The THIMUN Conference at The Hague was a tour highlight, and we are considering offering this opportunity again in January 2026, albeit a shorter trip with a focus on the conference. Stay tuned!

Mock Law

Auditions for Mock Law teams will be finalised in the coming week and teams will be announced along with registration details for Mock Mediation, Mock Trial, and Mooting.

Bronwyn Hubbard

Head of Co-curricular Language Arts