Mazenod have a long and successful history of participating in the Debating Association of Victoria competition. Students compete against other schools in the region, before then progressing to the State finals. Mazenod debaters have regularly achieved a prestigious ‘Swannie Award’, the speaker in each region and grade who has the highest average speaker score after completing at least three debates during the year. Mazenod also compete in the ACC competition, which involves a Junior, Intermediate and Senior team. Each team consists of six members who compete in three debates across the course of a day.
Young men finding their voice.
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Learning to speak with confidence and clarity is a skill for life. Being part of the Debating and Public Speaking program allows students to learn the art of oration, whilst building firm friendships, leadership skills and confidence.
To support the formation of students’ skills in research and their ability to deliver speeches confidently in formal and public settings, training is provided during lunchtimes via the Debating and Public Speaking club. This program is supported by dedicated staff, former students, the Mazenod Debating Captain and Vice-Captain and students from Years 10 to 12.
Debating Competitions
Public Speaking Competitions
EVATT Cup Model United Nations Competitions
Debating Competitions
Public Speaking Competitions
There are several public speaking competitions across the year. Mazenod students compete in both the ACC and the DAV Public Speaking competitions. The competitions involve a variety of prepared speeches and impromptu rounds. Each year, Mazenod students have regularly featured in the finals of the VCAA Plain English-Speaking Awards and the Rotary ‘Four Way Test’.
EVATT Cup Model United Nations Competitions
This is a competition open to students from Year 9 to 12. They compete in teams of two representing countries as part of a model United Nations. As a part of this they will argue motions and enter into negotiations as if they are the representatives for that country. Mazenod competed in this for the first time in 2022 with five teams. It is a great way to learn more about applied debating and speaking skills.
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