The 42nd Annual MLTAQ Speech Competition was held at Griffith University last weekend (Sunday 20 August) with 60 students from Year 4 – 12 representing A.B. Paterson College in four languages: Japanese, Spanish, Chinese and Russian.

Every year, the Languages Faculty are so proud of the students who represent the College – they always present themselves as remarkable young ambassadors. Our students work so hard to learn their respective speech weeks in advance as it is not an easy task of public speaking in a foreign language in front of a panel of judges and responding to impromptu questions.

Their amazing results, however, are testament to their diligence and love of learning another language.

A.B. Paterson College students achieved an overall total of 7 Gold, 8 Silver, 8 Bronze and 24 Highly Commended Awards.

As the Junior School Japanese Divisions were so big this year, we were also awarded three 4th place Certificates, and one 5th place Certificate.

A special mention must go to Year 12 students, Ally Zhou, and Victoria Guevara Subero who both achieved 1st place in their respective Year 12 Divisions. Ally went on to the Japanese State Championship, where she achieved 3rd place overall, and Victoria’s judges were so impressed with her speech that they have encouraged her to have it published! What an incredible achievement for both of these talented young ladies - all whilst juggling the business of Year 12 Mock Exam preparation.

Congratulations to all participants this year!

Cheyne Sandercoe | Head of Languages Faculty