Debating Speaking
Confidence, Clarity and a Voice That’s Heard
At Santa Sabina, we believe every student should have the chance to develop the skills to speak with confidence, think on their feet and engage in meaningful discussion. That’s why Debating and Public Speaking are thriving parts of our co-curricular program, open to students from the earliest years through to Year 12.
| From Year 7, Students Participate in a Wide Range of Competitions, Including: |
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| The Archdale Debating Competition (Years 7–12, 20 independent girls’ schools) |
| Independent Girls' Schools Association (IGSA) Festival of Speech |
| Catholic Schools’ Debating Association (CSDA) |
| Catholic Schools’ Speaking Competition |
| Junior Legacy Speaking Competition |
| Senior Plain English Speaking Award |
| Rostrum Voice of Youth |
Our students also compete in social debates with a variety of schools, refining their skills in persuasive argument, teamwork and respectful listening.
This culture of excellence is supported by enthusiastic student leaders, dedicated staff, engaged parents and ex-students who return as coaches and mentors.
Mock Trial – Learning the art of Advocacy
Senior students can take their skills into the courtroom through the Sydney-based Mock Trial competition. Working with a solicitor, teams prepare and argue both prosecution and defence cases in a simulated court environment. Every three weeks, they receive a new case to research, strategise, and present building critical thinking, public speaking, and legal reasoning skills.
Debating and public speaking at Santa Sabina is more than a competition schedule, it’s about developing articulate, confident young people who can express themselves with clarity, listen with respect, and step forward as leaders in any setting.