A multicultural group of students has achieved the unimaginable — winning the novice division of the WA Schools Debating Competition.
A number of the students, like Asmaa Hameed, joined the inaugural Greenwood College team to improve their language skills.
Asmaa knew just a few words of English when her family moved to Perth from Iraq three years ago.
But on Tuesday night, not only did her team win the grand final, the 13-year-old was also named best debater.
"The furthest I ever dreamt of when I heard we were going to the grand finals, I thought 'I hope we win'," Asmaa said.
"But I never thought that I would get the award. It's amazing."
Debating benefits self-esteem
Asmaa began learning English formally through Greenwood College's Intensive Language Centre.
She said debating not only boosted her vocabulary but her self-esteem.
"Once I started doing debating I turned from a shy person to a really confident person," she said.
The centre's head teacher, Ela Amor-Robertson, said Asmaa was an exceptionally resilient student.
"She has overcome some obstacles in her life as many of our students have," Ms Amor-Robertson said.
"She has got a really great perspective on life. She will always try and achieve great things."
The Greenwood Year 8 team beat a field of 168 schools to win the novice division.
Ann Cao, who was the third speaker in last night's event, put the group's success down to countless hours of preparation.
"We knew what the topic was, we knew our team case inside out and we were all just very confident," Ann said.
The students said entering the competition was a daunting prospect. Many of the other schools had never even heard of their northern suburb's college.
"Some of these schools have such a reputation, academically selective and private," Cyrine Almodovar said.
"It almost seems impossible. It's like 'dream on'. But we did it."
Ms Amor-Robertson said it was testimony to the group's love of learning, that they stayed after their own win to take notes during the senior school grand final events.
"They are an inspirational group of students," Ms Amor-Robertson said.
"They are wonderful role models for the school. I am already getting a lot more students interested in debating for next year."
