Debating

Round 2 of the DAV’s Geelong Schools’ Competition was held on Thursday 16th May and saw the SICG A Grade team victorious over Kardinia International School.

In an outstanding debate, all speakers from both teams performed to an exceptionally high standard. Our students took the negative position with the topic being “That we should criminally prosecute companies that use sweatshops.”

First speaker Ruby Mangelsdorf (Academic Captain) opened the team’s case strongly and presented effective counter arguments. Her points were very well supported and developed further by Madeleine Crothers (College Co-Captain), and William Bothe (Year 11 SRC Representative) concluded our case with solid rebuttal and summing up. Congratulations to both Ruby and Madeleine who were jointly awarded Best Speaker by the adjudicator. They performed magnificently and can be very proud of their efforts.

A special mention must go to William Bothe who truly embodied the College’s theme for this year: “Be the Difference”. William was the difference between us having a team for the fixture or facing a forfeit on the day due to the illness of our third speaker. It took great courage and genuine commitment to step into the role of third speaker with only a few hours’ notice.

Many would be tempted to take the easier route in these circumstances and decline the opportunity, yet William stepped up to the challenge, rebutting solidly and with confidence for 8 minutes. Congratulations to our A Grade Debaters on a brilliant performance!

Our third fixture is set for this Thursday 30th May, and this will also be the first debate for our Junior Debaters in D Grade of the competition. We look forward to our students continuing to represent SICG with pride.

Ms Andrea Dart Senior Debating Co-ordinator.