Debating

Saint Ignatius College was well represented on Thursday 2nd May in the first round of the Geelong Schools competition conducted by the Debaters’ Association of Victoria (DAV).

Our Senior Debaters acquitted themselves well against Saint Joseph’s, losing by the narrowest of margins in a very tight contest. SICG took the affirmative position, arguing “That, instead of being elected, members of parliament should be randomly selected”.

William Bothe (Year 11) opened the debate and spoke for over six minutes, outlining the key arguments. The pacing of his speech, his articulation and eye contact with the audience were exceptionally effective, earning him Best Speaker for the debate. Congratulations, William, on a fabulous performance.

As second speaker, Mikayla Michels (Year 12) countered the opponents’ case and spoke for over five minutes developing the team’s arguments further. For a first time debater since primary school, Mikayla showed great composure and performed very well.

Our third speaker, Ella Dumaresq (Year 10), presented over six minutes of arguments against the negative team’s case and summed up very effectively. With several years’ experience in debating to draw upon, Ella showed that she is increasingly comfortable thinking on her feet. It is great to see a Year 10 student speaking so confidently in A Grade Debating.

The adjudicator commended the speakers on their arguments and the quality of the debate, noting the effectiveness of the rebuttals.

We are all very proud of our Senior Debaters and congratulate them on another fine performance in the Geelong Schools competition.

This Thursday 16th May we will be represented by Ruby Mangelsdorf (Academic Captain), Madeleine Crothers (College Co-Captain), and Isabella Harry (Justice Captain). Our team will take the negative position against Kardinia International School, with the topic being “That we should criminally prosecute companies that use sweatshops.” Their preparation has been solid and the team is looking forward to the fixture.

Our Junior Debaters were very well prepared to take the affirmative position for their opening debate, arguing “That we should ban horse racing.”

Unfortunately, illness affected two of our speakers on the day and meant that their fixture needed to be forfeited in the favour of their opponents. We have received notice from our Round 2 opponents that they cannot attend on 16th May, so this means that our juniors will effectively commence their campaign on Thursday 30th May. Under the direction of Ms Brooke O’Brien, they are preparing to argue either case for the topic “That we should abolish standardised testing (e.g. NAPLAN)”. The draw for Round 3 will be finalized closer to the fixture.

Thank you to all parents who have attended the evening debating program and supported the students.

Thank you also to Ms Brooke O’Brien, Junior Debating Co-ordinator, for her ongoing support and work with the Junior Debaters.

Ms Andrea Dart Senior Debating Co-ordinator.