It’s been an outstanding start to the 2025 Debating season, with record-breaking student interest and strong results across all year levels. This year, we have our largest cohort of debaters ever, with 49 teams and over 220 students representing BSHS in the GPS, QDU and BGDA competitions. In Year 7 alone, over 100 students trialed, contributing to 21 teams across Years 7 and 8. This reflects the incredible enthusiasm and growing popularity of debating at Brisbane State High. 

The BSHS community has played a key role in creating a supportive and inclusive debating environment. We were proud to host the Year 7 and Year 8 QDU rounds on campus, welcoming students from across Brisbane and showcasing our students' enthusiasm and commitment. Our Year 7 GPS students have also made a strong debut, demonstrating both skill and teamwork in their first season of competitive debating. 

In the GPS competition, our Senior A team has once again achieved premiership success, taking out the title for the second consecutive year. After sharing the premiership in 2024, this year marks the first time BSHS has won the title outright. Congratulations to our Senior A team members: Henry Campbell, Liam McLeod, Micole Devinuwara, Tommy Wang and Zhexi Teng, whose outstanding efforts earned this historic win. We’re also incredibly proud to share that Liam McLeod and Zhexi Teng have been selected for the Queensland State Debating Team – a remarkable achievement that reflects their dedication and talent. 

We also congratulate our GPS 11.1, 9.2 and 9.3 teams, who ranked first on their ladders this season – a fantastic effort by all students and coaches involved. 

Our students have also had the opportunity to engage in debating beyond the classroom. On Monday 31 May, twelve of our debaters visited Parliament House to support Micole Devinuwara, who was invited to participate in a special debate to commemorate International Women’s Day. Micole delivered a thought-provoking speech exploring the moralities of being apolitical, representing BSHS with maturity and insight. 

In Term 2, we’re excited to launch our Debating Masterclass Program, which will be open to all students – not just current debaters. More information will be published on StudentNet early in the term 

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to a successful and inspiring Term 1 for debating at Brisbane State High School. QDU, BGDA and our Masterclasses are only just beginning. The continued growth of our program would not be possible without the ongoing support of our students, staff and alumni volunteers. Their dedication helps ensure that debating at BSHS remains accessible and enriching for students of all year levels.  

- Mr Zachary Mansfield | MIC of Debating