PLC Sydney students have achieved outstanding results at the Australian Individual Debating and Public Speaking Competition (AIDPSC), earning national titles, podium finishes and selection to the Australian Team for two Year 11 students.

Held at PLC Sydney over the first three days of the Term 3 holidays, the national competition brought together 100 students from 15 schools across Victoria, the ACT, NSW and Queensland. With 60 adjudicators assessing performances across the competition, our eight competitors delivered an exceptional series of results.

As host school, PLC Sydney was also supported by 25 student volunteers who generously gave their time during the holidays, helping the event run smoothly and representing the College with maturity and enthusiasm.

Our senior speakers demonstrated impressive critical thinking, eloquence and confidence, with two students earning the honour of representing Australia at the 2027 WIDPSC in Shanghai.

Cate (Year 11) placed 3rd in Australia overall and was named National Runner-up in Impromptu Speaking. Cate will compete at WIDPSC in Shanghai in 2027.

Harriet (Year 11) placed 5th in Australia overall, becoming National Champion in Interpretive Reading and National Runner-up in Debate. Harriet will also go on to represent Australia.

Chloe (Year 11) finished 13th in Australia and reached the National Reading final.

Kathy (Year 11) made an impressive competitive debut, contributing to PLC Sydney's strong senior team performance, with the College contingent placing fourth overall behind the leading school, St Kevin's College in Victoria.

PLC Sydney's junior competitors also delivered exceptional results, with our Speakfest team finishing as the second-highest-ranked school in the Junior division.

Hannah (Year 10) was named National Junior Titleholder in Persuasive Speaking, placed second in Junior Nationals Debate and finished 5th in Australia overall.

Abbie (Year 10) delivered consistently strong performances across all four events to place 5th in Australia overall.

Abigail (Year 10) placed third in Junior Nationals Reading and finished 7th in Australia overall.

Angeline (Year 10) achieved an impressive 8th place in Australia overall.

The competition was also an opportunity for 25 PLC Sydney student volunteers to demonstrate leadership, initiative and service. Working alongside staff during the school holidays, they helped support competitors, adjudicators and the smooth running of the event. They also built connections with students from other schools and gained inspiration for their own debating and public speaking journeys.

Congratulations to all our students, coaches and volunteers on these outstanding achievements and to everyone involved in making AIDPSC at PLC Sydney such a success.