Public Speaking & Debating Skills; A Core Component of an Oryx Education

At Oryx International School, we firmly believe that confidence in public speaking is a fundamental skill that opens doors in academic, professional, and personal life. That is why, starting from FS1, our students begin that journey by delivering short speeches on projects, storytelling, personal reflections or by participating in school plays or concerts in the school auditorium.

Beyond the performance itself, these exercises aim to build the foundations of vocal projection and self-assurance. By the time our youngest students reach Key Stage 1 (Year 1) in Primary school, weekly assemblies become a regular platform for sharing research, presenting experiments, or advocating for community service initiatives. Each presentation teaches them to structure a clear message, modulate their tone, and read the body language of their audience.

Expanding Horizons in Secondary School
In Secondary school, these skills are refined through more complex productions: school plays and concerts, where they engage with scripts, music, and stage design, and also extracurricular opportunities such as Debate Club, or by forming part of the Student Leadership Team in role such as Prefects, Heads of House and/or Buddies.

Secondary students are also offered unique opportunities to further deepen their confidence, by participating in initiatives such as the Model United Nations (MUN), which serves to culminate of all they have learned in their earlier years.
During MUN conferences, students not only practice debating techniques and negotiation, but they also collaborate in diplomatic blocs, and draft resolutions with a level of formality and rigour comparable to that of a real congress. This progression—from small student parliaments to international simulations makes Public Speaking a true and unique opportunity at Oryx International School, where we support our students to form themselves into responsible, articulate and confident young people, who can lead with their own voice in any setting.

OISMUN XXV: A Landmark Event in 2025
In 2025, under the theme “Developing sufficient global legal infrastructure for the maintenance of peace and sustainability,” Oryx International School held its first Model United Nations conference, bringing together more than 80 students from Year 7 to Year 13 in a unique experience of research, debate, and negotiation under the guidance of Mr. Amaso and Mr. Ranawaka. Over two intense days, our students demonstrated the public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork skills that the British Curriculum promotes as key 21st-century competencies.

The opening day began with remarks from our Executive Principal, Mr. Laidlaw, who emphasised the importance of youth diplomacy and global thinking. He was followed by Dr. Janina Gauder, Counsellor for Press, Climate and Politics at the German Embassy in Qatar, who delivered an inspiring talk on the role of young people in building sustainable policies on a global scale.

Mr Laidlaw commented, “It fills me with great pride to see how our students truly flourish in their confidence, thanks to the education that is imparted here at Oryx. The majority of our families come from international backgrounds and are not necessarily native English speakers, home languages can range from 2 to 4, yet despite this, Oryx students stand with confidence in front of an audience, and project their voices into the crowd through song, stage or debate. It is really impressive to witness this evolution, and even more so, when you have the honour to see the MUN initiatives in action. My warmest congratulations to all participants and my thanks to our dedicated academic staff for their coaching and support of these young students.”

Throughout the sessions, delegates participated in icebreaker activities like “Two Truths and a Lie” and “Matchmaker,” which fostered trust and teamwork from the outset. In the Security Council, led by Sanahas K. and Samuel L, students debated issues such as the mitigation of aerial escalations in the Aegean and the stabilisation of Haiti amid rising gang violence, after which they modeled lobbying strategies and drafted resolution proposals for voting. ECOSOC, coordinated by Anvi J. and Nicole C., addressed the threat of human trafficking and modern slavery in a session marked by passion and academic rigour, although no final resolution was passed. In Disarmament and International Security, Khadija R. and Rulan R. guided delegates through discussions on arms sales control and the regulation of military contractors, combining structured debates with interactive activities to maintain high energy and motivation.

This first OISMUN XXV is only the beginning of an ambitious roadmap in our school’s commitment to supporting students with their English Language and Public Speaking confidence.

Upcoming Initiatives: Primary MUN and Beyond
In the coming months, Oryx International School will host MUN conferences for students in Years 4–6, adapting the format to the Primary level, launch advanced public speaking workshops with external experts, and facilitate the participation of our delegates in regional and international forums. These initiatives will enhance the school’s visibility and offer students real opportunities for networking and recognition on global stages.

Beyond the simulation of an international body, this MUN helped students consolidate essential skills: the ability to research diverse sources, analyse data, articulate coherent arguments, adapt to formal registers, and, above all, listen and negotiate opposing viewpoints in a multicultural environment.

Thanks to this gradual training which starts in our Early Years’ Foundation Stage with assemblies and culminates to heated international debates in Secondary School & Sixth Form, Oryx students grow more confident, develop critical thinking and become empathetic individuals, ready to lead with a global vision and a voice of their own.

"I am extremely proud of the OISMUN student leadership team led by the current Secretary Generals Malvika B and Spyridon K, and the entire executive team. It was rewarding to see students from Year 7 to Year 13 working together in various capacities to develop resolutions while supporting each other to host a successful conference. Model United Nations at Oryx International School will continue to offer students the chance to engage in global diplomacy, sharpen their communication and leadership skills, and develop a strong sense of responsibility. As a student-run club, participation empowers our young leaders to take initiative, solve complex problems, and collaborate across cultures. With opportunities to attend prestigious international conferences with other Orbital School around the world, OISMUN provides a unique platform for personal growth, giving students the practical experience and global perspective necessary to excel in the future. Thank you to all the student officers and conference delegates."

Mr. Charles Amaso, Career/Guidance Counsellor