In 2025, Year 9 Kingsmen Felson and Austin have excelled in competitions testing their debating and public speaking skills. Their remarkable accomplishments reflect not only their exceptional talent and discipline, but also the School’s commitment to developing articulate, confident and globally engaged young leaders.
Felson has enjoyed an outstanding year in public speaking and global academic competitions.
“King’s motivates and encourages me to enter and compete in a variety of different public speaking and debating competitions,” Felson shares.
This year, Felson competed in the grand final of the World Scholar’s Cup in the United States, a competition testing knowledge and reason across several disciplines. His team earned top honours against more than 500 international teams and 15,000 competitors, including Best Overall Team, Best Writing, Best Debating, first place in multiple individual subjects, first in Individual Writing and a Top 5 finish in the Scholars Bowl.
Reflecting on the experience, Felson says “Having the opportunity to go overseas and compete was invaluable, and for my team to perform so strongly.”
Felson also cites memorable experiences in the Plain English Speaking Competition, the World Schools Debating Competition and the Future Health World Building Competition.
His public speaking accomplishments include being a Regional Finalist in the Plain English Speaking Competition, presenting both prepared and impromptu speeches, and competing in the UN Voice Public Speaking Competition, for which results are pending.
Felson’s academic success extends well beyond oratory. He was named a State Finalist in the National Healthcare World Building Competition, was shortlisted for the John Locke Institute Psychology Essay Competition, and is currently awaiting results for The Simpson Prize.
He also represented King’s in Model United Nations conferences at James Ruse, Sydney Boys, Knox and Oracle MUNs, and sharpened his debating skills in the Asia World Schools Debating Open and multiple British Parliamentary competitions.
This collection of achievements showcases an extraordinary year of dedication, excellence and a passion for learning that extends well beyond the classroom.
Austin has likewise achieved remarkable success across debating and academic competitions, proudly representing The King’s School both nationally and internationally.
He began 2025 with a standout performance in the International Competition for Young Debaters (ICYD), where his team was crowned Australian Champions, earning an invitation to the International Round at Cambridge University. Austin was recognised as the 9th Best Speaker in Australia–New Zealand, later placing 14th at Cambridge.
In the Cambridge Union Schools Debating Championship (ANZ Round), Austin and his teammate advanced from more than 50 elite teams through to the grand final, finishing as the 6th best team. Austin was named 9th Best Speaker overall and Best Speaker in the grand final.
“The most memorable moment for me was competing in the Cambridge Schools Union against a multitude of talented students from other schools,” he shares.
He also shone at the Oxford Schools Debating Championship (ANZ Round), breaking to semifinals, 4th in preliminary rounds and earning 8th Best Speaker.
Austin’s success in the World Scholar’s Cup has been equally impressive. Individually, he earned gold medals in the Overall Challenge, Social Studies, History, Literature and Media, and Science and Technology. As part of his team, he contributed to a Champion Debate Team title, a 5th place Overall Scholar ranking, 4th place in the Junior Team division, 3rd place in the Team Challenge, and 3rd place in Debating.
For Austin, excellence is about more than trophies.
“Excellence in debating and public speaking for me means the ability to communicate with others and have strong negotiation skills,” he reflects.
He adds:
“Skills developed through debating and leadership are not just limited to being able to speak fluently – it is the ability for people to critically think, especially from other sides or other perspectives that people may not have perceived before,” he reflects.
Master in Charge of Debating and Public Speaking, Mr David Woodgate, says the boys’ success reflects the rich learning culture at King’s.
“The intensity and depth of opportunities provided here at King’s in both coaching and competition has undoubtedly assisted and aided both Felson and Austin in their wider pursuits.”
He sees immense value in their global experiences.
“Engaging with their peers from overseas will have shaped and sharpened their views on a whole range of issues, and conversely, they would have brought a uniquely Australian view to the table on an international platform.”
Together, Felson and Austin exemplify the intellectual curiosity, discipline and leadership that sit at the heart of public speaking and debating at The King’s School. Their achievements in 2025 highlight not only their personal dedication, but also the strength of the School’s culture of scholarship and oratory.
We look forward to seeing these young men continue to grow, inspire others and represent King’s with distinction on the national and international stage.