At Northholm Grammar, Debating is more than a competition; it is a classroom for character. Week after week, our students practise careful listening, intellectual honesty and clear expression, habits that shape thoughtful citizens.
This Debating season, those habits translated into outstanding outcomes at the Head of Independent Co-Educational Schools (HICES) Debating Competition. With strong interest during the Debating trials, Northholm fielded four Middle Teams (Years 7 and 8), one Senior Team (Years 9 and 10) and one Opens Team (Years 11 and 12).
Of 288 teams from 55 schools, one of our Middle Teams and Senior Team not only reached the Grand Final but were crowned Divisional Winners — a remarkable achievement!
Our Middle Team debated the topic, “The Australian government should be required to involve young people in all policies relating to education, climate change, and mental health,” while our Senior Team debated the topic, “Data privacy should be a fundamental human right, and individuals should have complete control over their personal information.”
We also celebrate two individual honours: Ally Park, who was named Best Middle Debater and Myra Goyal, who received Best Senior Debater.
As well as the team and individual successes, Northholm Grammar was awarded the prestigious Sue McNeil Cup for Overall Champion School 2025. Three shields and two individual medals is a truly extraordinary achievement, and we are immensely proud of our debaters who carried Northholm’s cases with courage and care:
Middle Team: Ellyce Faulkner-Deck, Ally Park, Pranshi Shah, Christopher Zhang; Reserve: Kihara Dissanayake.
Senior Team: Tiana Attia, Myra Goyal, Hannah Kok, Zahra Waqas; Reserves: Arjun Hatle, Annan Zhao.
These results reflect months of purposeful practice. From lunchtimes spent preparing to virtual debates against a diverse range of schools from across the state, students sharpened rebuttals and deepened their understanding of complex issues. Along the way they learned that you don’t win by speaking the longest, but by thinking the clearest; not by suppressing discussion, but by presenting the better argument. These lessons travel with them into classrooms, assemblies and community life.
We also recognise the leadership and generosity that sit behind each speech. Debating at Northholm is a true team effort: younger students learn alongside seasoned speakers, senior leaders model poise and teamwork, and everyone is invited to test ideas with respect. That culture is sustained by families who cheer from the sidelines and by staff who coach with patience and expertise. Our sincere thanks to Ms Stephens and Ms Campos for their outstanding guidance and for the countless hours they invest in planning, feedback and encouragement.
Debating strengthens Northholm’s commitment to Learning through Scholarship. It asks students to research and reason, to weigh competing values and to communicate with clarity under time pressure. It builds confidence and resilience, and it teaches the discipline of preparing as a team and speaking for a shared purpose. Congratulations to our debaters on their remarkable achievements, and thank you to the staff and families who make this learning possible.
Learn more about Debating as part of our Co-Curricular offering at Northholm, or book a tour to experience our all-through approach first-hand.
