Debating

Monday lunchtimes have seen our Debaters gathering to prepare for our participation in the Geelong Region of the Schools’ Competition conducted by the Debaters’ Association of Victoria. We have had a steady level of attendance at the meetings and welcomed many new students to Debating this year either as speakers or as research assistants. It has also been heartening to welcome back students who enjoyed debating last year and want to continue their involvement. Their experience is invaluable for newcomers.

Seniors

So far this season our Senior Debaters (Years 10 to 12) have contested two debates, both against teams from Geelong Grammar. SICG opened our account with a win, arguing convincingly “That Australia should implement a Universal Basic Income”. Anthony Zanghi introduced the team’s case confidently and set the tone for the debate.

He was strongly supported by Kyle Wig as our second speaker, who rebutted the opponents’ opening statements and then continued our team’s case.

Third speaker Chloe Broadhurst followed up with sound rebuttal and a fine summary of our arguments. Such was the consistency across our team that the adjudicator could not select a best speaker. Team members appreciated the encouragement and support of their parents and fellow senior debater, Chelsea Barrett. Junior debaters Jonathan Galbraith and Amy Thompson were also present and enjoyed watching their older peers in action.

Taking the floor for Round 2 were Chelsea Barrett, Leah Maffescioni and Chloe Broadhurst. For this fixture, we presented the negative position against Spain granting independence to Catalonia. After careful research and preparation, each of our speakers gave a solid performance and demonstrated effective teamwork. It was great to see them taking on such a challenging topic and developing their confidence in a public forum. On this occasion they could not match their opponents, however, they can be very proud of their efforts and will grow from the experience gained.

The remaining debates for Seniors are all secret topic fixtures and these will require exceptional teamwork during the one hour of preparation time allowed prior to speaking. Our students are looking forward to the challenge.

Juniors

Our Junior Debaters (Years 7 to 9) gave a great account of themselves at their first debate on Monday of this week. Taking the negative position for the topic “That there should be a congestion tax imposed on drivers of vehicles entering the Melbourne CBD”, the team combined well for a narrow one-point win over Kardinia International School.

The College was represented by Laura Maertzdorf, Adisa Fabiano, and Ella Dumaresq. While Laura and Ella have both debated for the school last year, and continue to build on their past experience, we were all delighted by welcoming Adisa to her first debate for the College.

Our students were complimented on their arguments as well as the manner of their delivery. Their engagement with their opponents’ arguments and effective rebuttal proved the decisive factor in determining the outcome.

Congratulations to all of our debaters and all the best for your next debates when the program resumes in July. Thank you to Ms Brooke O’Brien for your continued support and your work with our debaters.

Ms Andrea Dart Debating Co-ordinator.