BSSC’s 2024 Speech Night revealed the capacity of our Year 12 Humanities students to grapple with big issues—demonstrating a depth of insight and a nuanced approach to them.
Emceed by Anna Winter—a winner last year—the event was held in the Brockley Auditorium at the La Trobe Visual Arts Centre.
Unlike the more black and white arguments seen in a debate, students showed recognition of the complexity involved when making decisions about pornography regulation, AI, climate protests, education, safe injecting rooms, political donations, the incomes of sports stars contrasted with those of health workers, and racism.
They made passionate calls for wisdom and a fresh look at problems that are being—sometimes intentionally—overlooked.
So, is Australia a racist country? The evidence presented by Scout Simpson-Purdon suggests ‘yes’ and the quality and presentation of her speech convinced adjudicator, Peter Dearricott, she was worthy to a be joint winner with Kloe Soper.
Kloe, like Scout, gave an impassioned speech arguing the benefits of moderation in dealing with the global—albeit terrifying—threats of climate change.
In a direct challenge to aggressive, headline-grabbing approaches that make the front page of our newsfeeds, Kloe suggested people come together and take their lead from the great peacemakers and social transformers of the past.
When he stood to give his decision, Peter wryly recalled his thoughts last year when Scott Alterator was adjudicator.
“I was here last year and thought, ‘I’m so glad I’m not in his shoes’.”
No one in the room doubted Peter’s challenge as student after student delivered heart-felt and compelling arguments on their chosen topic.
After the event, audience members used words such as, ‘inspirational’, ‘articulate’, ‘wonderful’, ‘engaging’, ‘incredible’, ‘hopeful’ and even, “that really filled my cup”.
Angie Pollock, who organised this event, had this to say:
“I’m proud, so proud of such accomplished young people.”
