Congratulations to our World Scholar's Cup team
Two very long days of intense academic rigour were embraced with gusto by our eight teams of World Scholar's Cup (WSC) girls, alongside 399 intellectually curious competitors from 20 urban and regional schools that came together to celebrate academia at its finest. They tackled the complexities of 275 study areas under the theme of 'An Unlikely World' through examination, collaborative essay writing, debating and the Scholar's Bowl.
The girls were fine ambassadors for Iona and as always, competed with such wonderful sportsmanship and joy.
Our results were splendiferous and have improved every year, gaining the greatest myriad of Top 5 and 10 placings to date. Of our eight teams, two senior and six junior, all qualified for the next round to be held at Hanoi, Vietnam in three weeks' time. A collection of first place positions were amongst the mix of Iona awards, most notably; first place overall, Top Junior Scholar, awarded to Talliah Galindo, 9 Treacey.
The maturity and finesse of Amy Mance 7 Treacey, came to the fore as she held her own whilst debating with the best in the Debate Showcase; an event where the top eight debaters between both Junior and Senior divisions are brought together to 'battle it out' one last time. Amy then went on to place second in the Junior Division for Debating, a tremendous achievement for her first year in the program.
A huge thank you to the three mentors of the girls. Talei Williams 11 O'Halloran, Philippa Newman 10 O'Dowling and Bridget Bradley 10 O'Halloran worked tirelessly behind the scenes offering invaluable advice, support, practice and tips to ensure an effortless yet exciting journey for the teams to undertake. A massive thank you must also be extended to Ms Tundi Beattie, whose priceless help and support for both the girls and myself is truly indispensable.
The World Scholar's Cup is so much more than an academic competition for these girls. It is not about memorising the facts, but learning from the questions posed within the study and the experiences they encounter along the way, which makes the WSC the way it is. This competition embraces our bright young ladies like the 'warmest, biggest hug with hot chocolate and marshmallows wrapped up in one'.
Hanoi, here we come!
Louise Ormesher
Gifted and Talented Coordinator