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Branksome Hall

Branksome Named Top Canadian Debate School at IISPSC

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Four young women stand in front of a blue backdrop with "IISPSC 2024" written on it. Three wear school uniforms with blazers and plaid skirts; one wears a white blazer, black top, and pants. All are smiling and posing together.
Grace, Sienne and Helen pose with coach Samhita Gupta at IISPSC.

Branksome Hall’s debating and public speaking trophy shelf just got a new addition! On October 20, 2024, students Helen (Grade 12), Grace (Grade 12) and Sienne (Grade 11) were presented with the Canadian Student Debating Federation’s (CSDF) top Canadian School Team Trophy at the International Independent Schools’ Public Speaking Competition (IISPSC), an award Branksome has not won since 2010–11. Co-hosted in Bermuda this year by the Bermuda High School and Saltus Grammar School, the competition featured 112 competitors showcasing their skills in a series of public speaking events.

Over three days, students competed in events including reading, persuasive speaking and impromptu speaking. During the preliminary round, Grace placed 5th in reading and 10th in persuasive speaking. Helen placed 6th in impromptu speaking and 2nd in persuasive speaking. In the finals, Helen earned 2nd place in impromptu speaking, which secured her a spot at the 2025 World Individual Debate and Public Speaking Championships in Kuala Lumpur.

Three smiling young women, two in school uniforms, sit closely together at a table. In front of them is a large silver trophy bowl. The background shows people seated at tables in a bright, modern room.
Grace, Sienne and Helen hold the trophy at the award dinner.
Four smiling women stand in front of three red telephone booths, wearing matching white T-shirts that read "I survived a Bermuda bus ride!" with a colorful bus graphic.
Grace, Sienne, Helen and coach Gupta's first day in Bermuda.

The competition culminated in an Awards Dinner on October 20 where the top speakers and schools were recognized. It was a proud moment for Debate and Public Speaking Club coach Samhita Gupta as she watched her students walk onto the stage and accept the CSDF trophy. “As the chaperone and coach accompanying these students, I witnessed in admiration, throughout, not only their dedication to practising and honing their speeches, but also how wonderfully they supported each other and the kindness they extended to fellow students from other schools,” Samhita reflected. “Seeing them receive the trophy for the top Canadian team amidst a roomful of cheers and applause was a testament to the spirit of hard work and camaraderie that the Branksome Hall team embodies.”

Back in Toronto, the Branksome community was overjoyed with the good news. The Senior & Middle School community celebrated in an Assembly once the debaters returned from Bermuda. “We’re so incredibly proud of the girls and all of the hard work they put in,” said coach Grace Nolan.

The Branksome Hall Debating and Public Speaking Society is celebrating its 60th anniversary this school year. With the first club meeting drawing more than 50 students, it is sure to be a fantastic year. As Grade 12 students, Helen and Grace are eager to mentor the next generation of Branksome’s public speakers. Congratulations to Grace, Helen and Sienne!

A woman smiling on an airplane, sitting next to a seat with a large bubble-wrapped package secured with a seatbelt.
Coach Gupta and the trophy on their way back to Toronto.
Two women sitting at a wooden table indoors, smiling and holding up milkshakes in celebration. There are glasses of water on the table and a spiral staircase in the background.
The team enjoys a treat after a weekend of hard work.
Two white shelves display a collection of trophies, plaques, certificates, and various awards, made mostly of wood, metal, and glass, all neatly arranged against a plain wall.
The debating and public speaking trophy shelf at Branksome Hall.

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Branksome Hall
10 Elm Ave, Toronto, ON, Canada
M4W 1N4

Contact

1-416-920-9741
admissions@branksome.on.ca

Land Acknowledgement
We wish to acknowledge this land on which Branksome operates. For thousands of years, it has been the traditional land of the Wendat, the Seneca and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit River. Today, this meeting place is still the home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work and go to school on this land.*


*The Land Acknowledgement may evolve as we honour our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation in partnership with Indigenous communities.

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