EXPRESS Yourself
This year , CHS proudly hosted the 2023 International Independent Schools ’ Public Speaking Competition ( IISPSC ). The four-day event welcomed over 150 students from around the world onto our campus to compete in various performance categories .
For IISPSC , Grade 10 – 12 CHS students , usually members of the Debate Club , put their names forward for a rigorous selection process . This year , Vanessa ( Grade 10 ), Lucy ( Grade 11 ) and Michelle ( Grade 12 ) were the three students representing Crofton House at IISPSC .
The anticipation builds from early in the year as students learn of their selection , and then spend the summer meticulously preparing under the guidance of our committed debate coaches .
But what does it take to get to this moment , and what are the benefits students experience along the way ?
A LOVE FOR EXPRESSING YOURSELF
“ The exciting thing is seeing students find their voice and this creative aspect of themselves they may not have known they had . Watching a student develop this high level of competence is a really powerful thing , which translates into all aspects of life and opens up all kinds of worlds for students ,” says Marc Foley , Senior School English Teacher and Debate Club Sponsor Teacher .
Vanessa , an IISPSC Impromptu Speaking finalist , explained why she cherishes her opportunities to speak in front of others . “ Having a voice is so important , especially in a society that may not place much value on the voices of the youth . I think it ’ s so important to be able to express oneself because , historically , the voices of females weren ’ t counted in political elections or valued heavily in society . It ’ s also just really fun !” She adds , “ Being the daughter of firstgeneration immigrants , I appreciate
the importance of being able to speak eloquently and thoroughly . The ability to express myself is something I value very heavily .”
A JOURNEY OF PATIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE
The Debate Club is one of the largest Senior School clubs . Students can join in starting in Grade 8 .
Lucy , who finished 7th overall at IISPSC , qualified to attend the 2024 World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships ( WIDPSC ) in Canberra , Australia . Lucy began Debate Club in Grade 8 , and in Grade 9 she qualified for one category semifinal . By Grade 10 , Lucy had broken into all categories and qualified for Nationals .
Lucy shares an important message on growth through personal interest . “ In the beginning , I wasn ’ t trying to win or anything , I just thought it was fun because I like talking . I think the progression just shows that if you like
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