LEVEL I INFORMATION FORM
Level I Excursions are those which take students to familiar se ngs within the local area for day me ac vi es which expose students to risks typically encountered in everyday living or while at school and which involve local transporta on either by walking, subway, city bus, school bus, or taxi. Examples of Level I Excursions: trips to museums, local parks, a local store or neighbourhood, a library, an art studio, a concert hall, a theatre, another school, or athle c facility. Parental consent for Level I Excursions is given at the beginning of each school year.
Excursion Name The Nora McRae Public Speaking Tournament
Date(s) and Times Saturday, April 26, 2025, 8:30am-4pm
Students should meet Katie Simco by 8:20 AM inside the Branksome Hall Athletics & Wellness Centre, 6 Elm Avenue
Students should arrange for pickup at dismissal time, at 4 pm, at the same place as the arrival meeting point.
Group Involved Debate team members (3 students)
Group Leader and Staff Involved Katie Simco (York School faculty & MS Debate Coach)
Destination Address
Meet at: ellness Centre, 6 Elm A Drop of
Description of tournament categories
2025 Nora McRae Public Speaking Tournament
SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY
Categories of Speeches:
SECTION A: Each student must select one of the following:
INTERPRETIVE READING: Each participant will read a passage of prose or poetry, serious or humorous, with an appropriate introduction which explains the appeal of the selection The piece must have been published The time limit is from 5 to 8 minutes, including the introduction This is to be a prepared reading, not a memorized dramatic presentation
DECLAMATION: Each participant will read aloud a speech, or part thereof, given by a famous orator from the past The orator must be deceased The reading should be in the spirit of the original in terms of passion and conviction, but the reader need not adopt an accent or try to assume the character of the deceased orator The reading should be prefaced by a brief introduction indicating who delivered the speech originally, when, to whom, why, and noting why the speech has been chosen The speech will be read, but practiced, so that delivery is fluent and the speaker looks up from time to time. The declamation should be from 5 to 8 minutes in length
SECTION B: Each student must select one of the following:
AFTER-DINNER SPEAKING: Each speaker must deliver a speech that is designed to entertain as well as to inform. It should be the sort of speech that would be given after the annual dinner for some group of the speaker's choice. The group being addressed should be identified at the start of the speech. The speech should not be just a stand-up comedy routine The time limit is 5 to 8 minutes Notes must be limited to one note card
PERSUASIVE SPEAKING: This speech is designed to persuade and must be on a serious topic This does not mean that humour and wit might not be useful in the speech A problem-solution must be taken: speakers must identify a problem and must propose, or examine, one or more solutions to it The time limit is 5 to 8 minutes Notes must be limited to one note card
SECTION C: Each student must select the following:
IMPROMPTU SPEAKING: Each speaker will draw three topics, which may be words, quotations, phrases or statements The speaker has two minutes to select one of the three topics and to prepare his/her comments Competitors may speak in favor of the topic, against it or about it. The speech is to be 3 to 5 minutes in length Competitors may make notes, but these may not be used when speaking.
Speakers, and their chaperons, are expected to be at the tournament throughout the event
Emergency Contact Information Katie Simco (York School faculty & MS coach): 514-895-9879 ksimco@yorkschool com
Cost Per Student
Special Considerations and What to Bring
$70 (includes lunch and refreshments)
Students should wear the school uniform grey bottoms, grey socks, and a white dress shirt/blouse If this is not possible, please wear a polo shirt Running shoes are acceptable
Please bring paper, pens, pencils, a water bottle, and up to one note card for the prepared speech
Students may bring cell phones for contacting parents
Parents may come and watch as long as it is okay with the other competitors in the room
