Spring Public Speaking and Debating Tournament

 

Last week Saltus Middle School students competed in the 13^th annual Bermuda Public Speaking and Debating Spring Tournament which was this year hosted by BHS. There were local and international teams competing as we welcomed students from Manitoba, Canada to join us again this year. This was a three-day competition that saw students competing in the public speaking portion of the tournament on Thursday and Friday evening and then going through 3 rounds of debate on the Saturday. For those students who participated in both sections of the competition this was certainly a full schedule!

 

Competitions like this one provide students with the opportunity to hone a number of skills including speaking in front of an audience; critical thinking, listening to understand and respond as well as time management, collaboration and strategy. Students who compete at this level are also able to meet and socialise with students from other schools and countries, to appreciate different perspectives and cultural nuances and to be excellent ambassadors of our island home.   We are proud of all of our student competitors and excited to share our results.

 

Our Public Speaking Middle School Team, comprised of: Callie Lucas, Noah Maranzana and Christopher Madeiros. This team placed third overall with Callie placing 2^nd and Christopher placing third in the Impromptu Speaking category while Noah placed second in the Interpretative Reading. These were tough categories, and the students should be proud of their accomplishments. Both Callie and Christopher also made it into the top 5 for individual rankings, placing 4^th and 5^th respectively. This was the first in person public speaking competition that Bermuda has hosted in 3 years, and we are incredibly proud of our Saltus students!

 

On Saturday, 11^th March, Saltus entered two Middle School Debate teams to compete in the Bermuda's Spring Debate Tournament. Both teams were competitive, having honed important research, critical thinking, and collaboration skills. Indeed, very strong arguments were presented by both teams in response to motions which proposed abolishing the minimum voting age and providing equal game time for students in sport.

 

It was a fantastic experience for our students who enjoyed the opportunity to showcase their skills and learn some valuable debating lessons. Our more experienced debaters: Jordan Williams, Callie Lucas, and Christopher Madeiros won all three of their rounds, thoroughly impressing the judges. Our newly formed team, consisting of Catalina Gamero, Charlie Bernstein and Edward Tudor-Thomas, also performed extremely well, securing two wins, and proving they will be a force to be reckoned with next year! Thanks also must go to our Noah Maranzana in Year 9 for attending the event as Timekeeper and doing a marvellous job!

 

We want to congratulate all our debaters and public speakers for their efforts and success over the weekend. They did themselves and Saltus proud!