Parents Information Page
Ethics Olympiads are being run throughout Australasia and Canada. In the U.K. the John Stuart Mill Cup is held annually at St Andrew’s University for UK schools.
The purpose of the Ethics Olympiad is to assist schools in developing students skills in communication, collaboration and critical thinking. Unlike a debate students are not assigned a position. Instead, they take their own considered position about an ethical question. Together, the students carefully consider their response to an ethical question and collectively present their position. The alternate team can agree with the position taken and might choose to reinforce the position, offering other supportive arguments or raise questions that might be important to consider. Alternatively, a team might take a different position and choose to demonstrate the weaknesses in the alternate view while offering arguments that sustain their position. Students are rewarded for providing careful, sustained reasoning in response to the question. If they disagree with the position taken by the other team, they must demonstrate respect and civility. Teams are also given a score based on their respect and careful consideration of the important moral issues raised in each case.
Structure of the Ethics Olympiad
Each school will send a team or two teams of five students (eth-letes). The heats will be run simultaneously- with a standard format and common timing. We will use Zoom on the day in order to include regional and remote schools. Coaches and eth-letes will receive access to online training kits and 6/ 8 ethical cases. On the day Tertiary specialists will be judging each heat, although the first heat is a practice/preparation round. There will be a round robin format with each team taking turns to present and critique arguments. All participating students will receive a certificate and the winning schools in each region will receive medals to be awarded at a school assembly.
At the event, students will enjoy the interactions with other students and teachers. The following feedback is not uncommon;
“This event was highly enjoyable and very interesting topics were given which helped me think more deeply about issues in this world. Also, I really enjoyed meeting new people and it was a great opportunity.”
“Thanks for a wonderful day!”
“A fantastic experience and opportunity to be challenged by ethical issues in a supportive environment.”
There are three/four heats over the day and a practice round. The top teams at the Middle and Senior Ethics Olympiads will be invited to participate in an Australasian or International final.
Click here for the ‘history and background’ of the Ethics Olympiad
We welcome any questions you might have leading up to the event but please direct questions in the first instance to the supervising teacher from your school.
Click here for a video about the event…
Click here for a video about the event
Training Clinic
At a training clinic, also run online…parents can expect that their child will receive instruction on key ethical concepts and principles, learn strategies for analyzing ethical dilemmas, and have opportunities to practice engaging in ethical dialogue with peers. Students will also receive feedback from coaches and teachers on their performance and will have the opportunity to ask questions and seek guidance on any areas where they need additional support.
Participation in a Ethics Olympiad Training Day will be a valuable opportunity for students to develop their critical thinking skills, engage in meaningful discussions about important ethical issues, and build their confidence and competence in ethical reasoning. Parents can support their child’s participation in the training day by encouraging them to take advantage of the opportunities provided, and by providing them with a supportive and encouraging environment in which to practice and develop their skills.
At the event students will enjoy the interactions with other students and teachers. The speakers and judge/moderators we have arranged will provide insights into best practices at an Ethics Olympiad. This will be a unique and fascinating opportunity for coaches and eth-letes to hear from experts from around the world. It will be useful if you/your students have some paper and a pen/pencil to write with on the day.
For further information about the training days please go to this link.
We welcome any questions you might have leading up to a training clinic but please direct questions in the first instance to the supervising teacher from your school.