We don’t usually like to raise our voices but…here we’ll make the exception!
Speaking confidentially and clearly, thinking on one’s feet and communicating strong ideas, are skills we use all through life in many different settings and situations.
HVGS is proud of its strong debating history, and our articulate speakers have achieved at the highest levels of regional and state competitions.
junior debating & public speaking
- The HVGS Public Speaking competition is for all students K – 6. Each student delivers a prepared speech to their class. Finalists are chosen from each grade who then deliver their speech to the entire Junior School. Students in Years 3 – 6 who perform well are selected for the Hunter Regional Independent Schools (HRIS) Gala Day.
- Good speakers from Years 3 – 6 are selected to participate in the HRIS Gala Day, which is held annually as a gala day experience.
- Exceptional speakers are in Years 5 and 6 are selected for the Independent Primary School Heads of Australia (IPSHA) Debating and Public Speaking Competition. Students compete against schools from Sydney and beyond.
- Students in Years 5 and 6 can also participate in the Heads of Independent Coeducational Schools (HICES) Chapman Cup Debating Competition. There are opportunities to progress through regional, inter-regional and state levels. Students in the Junior divisions deliver prepared debates.
senior debating & public speaking
- Students in Years 7 -12 participate in the Heads of Independent Coeducational Schools (HICES) competition. Students progress through regional, inter-regional and finals. Middle division deliver prepared debates, whilst Senior and Open divisions prepare debates on impromptu topics. All teams progressing to the knock-out final rounds in Semester 2 debate impromptu topics in every division.
- The Hunter Regional Independent Schools (HRIS) Gala Day is available for students in Years 7-8.
- Students in Year 11 may participate in The Law Society Mock Trial Competition against other schools in a series of mock cases performed in a courtroom.
- Our Senior students can also get involved in MUNA, (Model United Nations Assembly). Students participate in debates, along the principles adopted at the United Nations Assembly, pertinent to world political and social issues. Each team represents a particular country.
