Speech
Speech provides Senior School students with the opportunity to develop effective public speaking skills for their future tertiary education and for their personal and social lives.
Speech, from improvisation to formal persuasive speaking, helps develop confident and self-assured communicators.
Our co-curricular Speech program, Speak Up and Speak Out, provides students with the opportunity to develop their voice and manner of speaking through prepared and impromptu speaking, news-reading and discussion and social speeches.
A variety of activities, including preparing and delivering book reviews, information reports, persuasive arguments and entertaining speeches, allow students to build further confidence in their speaking skills. Students may also prepare for public speaking competitions such as Rostrum Voice of Youth, Eisteddfods, Independent Girls’ Schools Association Competitions, and Performance Showcases.
Debating
In Senior School, Debating is a dynamic co-curricular program that offers students the opportunity to develop confident public speaking skills as members of a cohesive team.
As members of the Ravenswood Debating Society, each student is encouraged to discover and to exercise her voice. Debating is a sociable activity that develops this valuable life skill. Supported by experienced coaches, students learn how to present and counter persuasive perspectives using structured, evidence-based arguments.
Debating also offers opportunities to expand students’ world views. Successful debaters are well-informed, aware of current affairs, engaged with world events and able to articulate diverse opinionson contemporary issues.
Competitions
Debaters in Senior School participate in two main interschool competitions – the Independent Schools Debating Association Competition and the Archdale Debating Competition – as well as Macquarie University Debating, Australian Disputes Centre Debating Tournament, and Model United Nations.
Ravenswood has a proud tradition of success in Debating, with teams reaching the semi-finals, finals and grand finals in these interschool competitions.
Students have also been selected to represent Australia at the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships.
House Debating
Students can also participate in House Debating competitions. These activities are hotly contested and instil a strong sense of pride, teamwork and school spirit.