St Hilda’s Crowned Champions at the WADL Grand Final 

Last Month, the Western Australia Debating League (WADL) School Debating Competition reached its exciting conclusion with the Grand Final, held at the State Library of WA. After months of dedication, preparation and several rounds, St Hilda’s was incredibly proud to see not just one, but two of our teams—Novice and Junior—reach this stage. 

Double Victory for St Hilda’s 

We are delighted to announce that both teams won their debates, claiming the titles of WADL School Debating Competition Winners for 2025!  

The Grand Final was based on impromptu debating, where teams received their topic just one hour prior to the event and prepared their cases independently. Our students rose brilliantly to the challenge, showcasing not only their intellect and quick thinking but also their teamwork and composure under pressure. 

• Novice Team: Yixin, Amy, Caitlin and Dara faced Guildford Grammar in a hard-fought debate. Their sharp reasoning and confident delivery secured the win, with Caitlin also recognised individually as Speaker of the Debate.  

• Junior Team: Elizabeth, Elly, Eloise, Dulcie, Olive, and Vivien went against Perth Modern in a gripping final. After a close contest, the adjudicators declared St Hilda’s the winners. 

For many of our Junior Team debaters, this achievement marks a milestone after years of commitment. Having joined the Debating & Public Speaking Club in Year 7 and reaching the semi-finals two years ago, their growth and perseverance shone brightly on this grand stage. 

Special Acknowledgements 

This success would not have been possible without the dedication of our Debating coaches, Fraser Windsor and Riley Landau, whose guidance has shaped not only two winning teams but also strengthened the wider culture of debating at St Hilda’s. We are equally grateful to the members of the English Department who have supported our students throughout the season. 

Building foundations for an extraordinary future 

At St Hilda’s, we believe that providing girls with the opportunity to engage in debating is far more than an extracurricular activity—it is an investment in their confidence, critical thinking, and leadership. These experiences allow our students to flourish, building the foundations for a bright and successful future where their voices are heard and valued.  

Our debating journey doesn’t stop here. With teams preparing for the AHISA Competition and the British Parliamentary Competition, we look forward to another year of spirited debate, growth, and excellence in 2026. 

Congratulations once again to our remarkable Novice and Junior teams—your achievements are a testament to your hard work and collaboration.