Debating and Speech Scholarships are offered to students entering Years 7-11 in 2027. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to academic achievement along with outstanding ability with speech and debating. Scholarships are offered on the basis of an audition and a subsequent interview with the Head of Debating and a member of the College’s Leadership team.
Applicants are also to provide evidence of broad involvement across school life and commit to upholding the values and policies that govern the College. Applicants are not required to sit the academic testing.
Scholarship key dates: Applications open Saturday 1 November 2025 and close Saturday 7 February 2026.
Financial remission: Successful Debating and Speech Scholarship applicants will receive part remission of tuition fees at the Principal’s discretion.
Scholarship duration: The scholarship will commence in Term 1, 2027 and be awarded for the duration of the student’s Secondary schooling. The scholarship will be subject to an annual review by the College.
Criteria
Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to academic achievement and are expected to enrol in the Debating and Speech cocurricular programs.
Applicants will be assessed based on demonstrated potential, evidenced of public speaking and debating talent, enthusiasm and passion for speech and debating, leadership, commitment and reliability in given contexts.
Allrounder capability beyond speech and debating will be considered. Students at Brigidine College are always encouraged to be highly engaged in College life.
Expectations
It is expected that Debating and Speech scholarship recipients will:
- Demonstrate leadership, compulsory attendance and an outstanding commitment to Brigidine’s Debating and Speech cocurricular programs
- Actively participate in at least two cocurricular Debating and Speech activities: note the program may be subject to future change.
- Debating
- Term 1 – ISDA Debating
- Term 2 & 3 – Archdale (IGSA) Debating
- Term 3 – SDN Debating
- Mock Trial (Years 10 and Year 11)
- Theatre Sports
- Public Speaking – CSDA, Rostrum, Plain English-Speaking Award
- Debating
In addition a recipient of an Excellence Scholarship for Debating and Speech could be required to:
- Perform at College functions.
- Attend and participate in Debating and Speech workshops, camps and tours as organised by the College.
- Prioritise College Debating and Speech activities before other external drama commitments.
- Work within the ethos of the College, contribute positively to the College community and commit to upholding the values and policies that govern the College.
- Demonstrate leadership within the College community. For example, assisting during rehearsals, supporting fellow students and wearing the school uniform appropriately.
At the time of online registration for a Debating and Speech Scholarship, the following documentation will need to be uploaded:
- Most recent school report.
- Most recent NAPLAN results.
- Supporting documents pertaining to the applicant’s Debating and Speech interest and ability.
- Two written references including one from the Debating and Speech area of excellence, including the contact details (email and phone).
- Description of broad and outstanding involvements across school life, or community-based programs.
Audition process:
Based on the documentation submitted with the application and the criteria outlined above, selected applicants will be invited to attend an audition. Auditions will last approximately five minutes, followed by an interview with the audition panel.
Applicants will be asked to perform a brief 2-minute prepared speech on a specific topic eg The reasons why I look forward to joining Brigidine College.
After the auditions, short-listed candidates and their parents will be invited to attend an interview with the Principal. Scholarship winners will be announced in September following this process. Upon completion of the process, all applicants will receive written notification regarding the outcome of their application.
Application fee: $55.00 incl GST
Application process: All applications are completed through Academic Assessment Services (AAS).
Contact: For further information please contact the Enrolments Office on (02) 9988 6200 or enrolments@brigidine.nsw.edu.au
