The highly anticipated 2023-24 speech and debate season at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools • China (BIBS • C) kicked off with a grand in-person tournament at the BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen campus. Taking place from October 21–22, 2023, this inaugural event showcased the talent and dedication of 350 students from across all eight BIBS • C campuses, including the newly opened school in Wuhan. Over 100 faculty and staff members served as judges and joined the celebration of the students’ achievements. With an impressive total of 300 debates and nearly 1,000 performances, this event marked an unforgettable start to a season that promises to be a thrilling journey.
The BIBS Speech and Debate Season
The BIBS • C speech and debate season comprises seven tournaments between October and May, offering online and in-person competition opportunities for students. Each tournament is a stepping stone to the BIBS • C network championship in May, with students diligently accumulating qualifying points throughout the season. Providing a comprehensive speech and debate tournament season that culminates in a championship for all campuses showcases the pursuit of excellence at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools · China.
BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen Tournament
Tournament hosts and BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen coaches Tyler Schultz and Ian Kemp expressed their gratitude to all participants, saying, “We sincerely appreciate everyone who attended this remarkable tournament. It was heartening to see the enthusiastic participation and the exceptional talent displayed by the students. The event not only supported their personal and academic development but also exemplified the BASIS core values.”
Tournament Highlights
One highlight of the event was the impromptu speaking competition, which beautifully showcased the host school’s values: Teamwork, Integrity, Goal Driven, Excellence, Resilience, and Service (T.I.G.E.R.S.). These principles embody BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen’s commitment to providing a holistic education that fosters character development alongside academic excellence.
A Message from the Director of Speech and Debate
Colin Malinak, BIBS • C Director of Speech & Debate and the Executive Director of the tournament, expressed his gratitude to the operation team of BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen for the great support they have provided, from the transportation arrangements, hotel check-in, signing-in process, to the tournament venue set-up and meal preparations, every aspect has been carefully considered, which fully embodies the hosting school’s warm and caring attitude towards all the participating teachers and students.
As the competitive season unfolds, students, faculty, and staff eagerly anticipate the next event, scheduled to take place online from November 18–19, 2023. Congratulations to all the hosts, competitors, and coaches on their accomplishments. We can’t wait to see what is in store for the 2023-24 speech and debate season at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools.
Apply now for our open Speech & Debate teaching position at BASIS Bilingual School Guangming Shenzhen.
For more information about teaching with BASIS International Schools, visit our careers website.