Debating Report

Monday 13^th August saw Saint Ignatius College fielding two teams in the final round of the Debaters’ Association of Victoria’s (DAV) School Competition for the Geelong Region.

In the A Grade competition, we were well represented by a team of five students who had one hour to prepare their case for a secret topic debate. Year 11 students, Chloe Broadhurst, Leah Maffescioni, and Anthony Zanghi, joined Year 12s Kyle Wig, and Dean O’Brien for the preparation. Combining well as a team, they developed the negative case in response to the topic: “That banks should be taxed at higher rates than other corporations.”

Although their opponents did not present for the debate, our students were able to deliver their speeches and had fun debating against each other. They were provided with some valuable feedback about their strategies by the adjudicator. At the conclusion of the season, SICG was placed equal 3^rd in A Grade, which is a very solid achievement.

Congratulations to all who have participated in Senior Debating this season and represented the school:

Year 11 - Chloe Broadhurst, Leah Maffescioni, Anthony Zanghi; Year 12 - Chelsea Barrett, Dean O’Brien, and Kyle Wig.

Students involved in the D Grade competition worked hard to prepare the affirmative case for the topic: “That we should impose mandatory minimum sentences for all violent crimes.” Abbey Maffescioni (Year 9) opened the case with some strong arguments in her first debate for the school, and spoke very well. She was supported by Laura Maertzdorf (Year 8), and Ella Dumaresq (Year 9), our second and third speakers. The adjudicator praised the team for their strong arguments and the development of their rebuttal skills.

Well done to all three speakers, and congratulations to Laura Maertzdorf who was awarded Best Speaker for the debate. The team came away with four points for the round due to their opponents being unable to field a full team. Nevertheless, the debate proceeded, with two speakers filling the three positions and providing some solid competition. At the conclusion of the program, SICG finished equal 4^th out of 19 teams in a very competitive field. All of our junior debaters can be very proud of their efforts and their achievements.

Thank you to these students who have been involved in researching and assisting with the preparation of our arguments throughout the season:

Year 7 – Amy Thompson; Year 8 – Joshua Galbraith; Year 9 – Lucy Dehnert and Lenon Gangoso.

Congratulations to those who have represented the school this year in D Grade:

Year 8 – Adisa Fabiano, Laura Maertzdorf, Luca Martino, Emily O’Kane; Year 9 – Ella Dumaresq and Abbey Maffescioni.

My sincere thanks are also extended to Ms Brooke O’Brien for her ongoing work in support of our junior debaters.

The Junior Secondary Program (JSP) is due to commence early in September, for students in Years 7 and 8 who are keen to experience an introduction to debating. Those who have registered for this program will receive further information shortly about arrangements and preparation here at school. The program is to be hosted by Clonard College this year.

Ms Andrea Dart Debating Co-ordinator