Twenty-two QAHS students put their language skills to the test at the 2026 LTQ Gold Coast Languages Speech Contest, held at Griffith University's Gold Coast Campus on Sunday 16 August.
Organised by the Languages Teachers of Queensland Gold Coast Branch in partnership with Griffith University, the annual competition brings together students from across the region to deliver prepared speeches before a judging panel.
QAHS was represented across French, Japanese, Mandarin and Spanish, with students stepping beyond the classroom to communicate in their target language in front of judges and an unfamiliar audience. The Academy achieved an outstanding set of results, with 16 of its 22 competitors receiving a placing or Highly Commended recognition, including seven first-place finishes.
Mandarin students recorded a particularly strong showing. In the Year 10 Non-Background division, Holly Wilson placed first and James Ngo second. QAHS then secured all three podium positions in the Year 11–12 Non-Background division, with Lam Nguyen first, Shirin Golsefid second and Liza Gratchev third. In the Year 11–12 Background division, David Bi claimed first place and Demi Li received a Highly Commended.
French students also enjoyed considerable success. Barsam Shahi won the Year 10 French ab initio division, while Tiffany Mo received a Highly Commended. Ariya Naidoo placed first in Year 11 French ab initio, with Prithm Dhaliwal receiving a Highly Commended, while Chloe Henry completed a clean sweep of the ab initio year levels for QAHS by winning the Year 12 division.
For Barsam, the result was rewarding, but the greater value came from taking on the challenge itself.
“Winning was not the main objective. This experience led me to realise my own abilities and be able to move out of my comfort zone."
Barsam prepared and memorised a three-minute speech based on the contest theme of identity before presenting it to the judges. He credited the encouragement of Mme Curtin and his peers for helping him prepare and said the experience strengthened both his French skills and his confidence.
Year 12 student Chloe Henry shared a similar perspective after presenting her speech on reflections on schooling.
“Participating in the LTQ Gold Coast Languages Speech Contest was a great opportunity to challenge myself and step outside my comfort zone."
Chloe said the experience helped build her confidence ahead of mock examinations and encouraged other QAHS students to consider taking part in the competition next year.
In Japanese, Ella Wei was awarded first place in the Year 10 Sakura division, adding another first-place finish to the QAHS tally. QAHS was represented by Ella and Xeline Gochuico in the Year 10 Japanese competition.
Spanish students also achieved exceptional results. Joel George placed second in Year 11 Spanish, while Eura Keum received a Highly Commended in the same division. Lisani Ncube was awarded a Highly Commended in Year 10 Spanish.
The competition provided an opportunity for students to demonstrate two important IB Learner Profile attributes in particular, being communicators and risk-takers. Preparing a speech is one challenge. Delivering it in another language, before a judging panel and audience, asks students to trust their preparation and put their learning into practice.
Congratulations to all 22 QAHS students who represented the Academy and contributed to an excellent day of language learning and competition. Thank you to the entire Group 2 faculty for supporting the students in the lead up.
A special thank you also goes to Mme Curtin and Mrs Cheng, who volunteered their time as judges and convenors during the competition, and Mrs Rebgetz, who joined students for the afternoon awards ceremony.
Dion Obst
Head of Department Global Connect