99 International Students Visit For Competition
The International Independent Schools Public Speaking Competition [IISPSC], co-hosted by The Bermuda High School and Saltus Grammar School, kicked off today [Oct 17] with 99 international students joining 16 local participants to compete in various public speaking categories.
A spokesperson said, “The International Independent Schools Public Speaking Competition [IISPSC], co-hosted by The Bermuda High School [BHS] and Saltus Grammar School, officially commenced today, Thursday, October 17th.
“A total of 99 International students from the USA, Canada and India arrived at the BHS campus to compete alongside 16 local students in public speaking categories, including Impromptu Speaking, Extemporaneous Speaking, Parliamentary Debate, Dramatic Interpretation and more.”
BHS competitor Helena Thomas remarked, “This is such a great event to be hosted in Bermuda; having 34 different schools here is going to be a great experience. The people are wonderful, and the competition is just as good, if not better. This is good for us to branch out and experience hosting international events and facing harder competition, as a lot of the time, you can be a big fish in a small pond in Bermuda. We are all so excited. We have been practising hard, and our team is ready. Hannah [Taylor], Gabby [Smith], and I are proud to represent BHS and Bermuda in this international competition.”
BHS Head of School, Carol A. Swainson added, “BHS is so proud to cohost this important international public speaking competition. We hope that it will showcase our talent alongside our beautiful island paradise.”
Callie Lucas, a Year 11 student and one of six Saltus competitors, reflected on her growing passion for debate and public speaking: “This is my second year competing, and it’s been an incredible journey. Last year, I had the chance to travel to Vancouver, and later I took part in our own tournament here in Bermuda. The skills I’ve developed and the challenges I’ve faced have pushed me further than I ever imagined.”
Julie Rousseau, Head of School, shared her enthusiasm about the event: “Partnering with BHS to host this prestigious competition is a fantastic opportunity. Students sharpen key skills like communication, collaboration, and critical thinking—tools that will serve them well into the future. Hosting such a high-calibre event right here in Bermuda adds a unique touch to the experience for everyone involved.”
A spokesperson added, “The opening ceremony, which was attended by local dignitaries, including Acting US Consul General James Sallay, Honourable Canadian Consul Isabel Ramsey-Brackstone and Governor Rena Lalgie, signified the official opening of the competition, followed by an evening of competition and a group dinner. The competition will continue at BHS on Friday before moving to Saltus’s St John’s campus for the Saturday and Sunday events.
“IISPSC 2024 is grateful to its sponsors, the Bermuda Tourism Authority [BTA] and the English Speaking Union, for supporting this event.”
Overseas schools attending include:
Ambrae Academy
Balmoral Hall
Branksome Hall
Buckingham Browne & Nichols School
Collingwood School
Crofton House School
Deerfield Academy
Gray Academy
King’s-Edgehill School
Lakefield College School
Lauremont School
MacLachlan College
Mulgrave School
Ridley College
St. Andrew’s College
St. Clement’s School
St. John’s Ravescourt School
Strathcona Tweedsmuir School
The Bishop Strachan School
The Country Day School
The Hotchkiss School
The Roxbury Latin School
The Winsor School
Local schools attending include:
Bermuda High School
Saltus Grammar School
Warwick Academy
