Junior Debating

The achievements of the Junior Debating squad this year have been remarkable. 

In a field of over 500 individual teams at D Grade, our Saint Ignatius College 1 debaters managed to win through to the 3rd round of finals in 2021, putting them in the top 16 teams in the Victorian Schools’ Competition. This is an outstanding achievement and at our break-up party last week, team members were awarded certificates recognising their amazing performance. The D Grade finalists were: Alana Clarke (Yr 9), Curtis McCoughtry (Year 9), Stephanie Reynolds (Year 8), Drew Magtaka (Year 8), and Owen McCougtry (Year 7).

Equally impressive was the revelation that one of our D Grade debaters, Jade Cowdery, had been officially recognised as top-scoring debater, achieving the highest average score in the region. Jade will be presented with the ‘Swannie’ award in a special online ceremony on the 3rd December. 

A talented speaker with a commanding voice and animated delivery style, Jade is a deserving recipient of this prestigious award. Congratulations also goes to the members of the Junior Secondary Program debating team, who won their last debate, successfully arguing the negative position on the topic: That online games should require all players to be over 18 years of age.

Additional certificates were presented to the following debaters:

Top scoring speakers in the Junior Secondary Program

Stephanie Reynolds (Year 8)

Gabriela Fernandes (Year 7)

Ella Dowling (Year 7)

Members of an undefeated team in the Junior Secondary Program

Stephanie Reynolds (Year 8)

Jade Cowdery (Year 7)

Gabriela Fernandes (Year 7)

Ella Dowling (Year 7)

At our break up party last week, each debater was presented with a Debating badge that can be worn on the school blazer. This special award recognises all students who represented the College in Debating this year. This brings the debating season to a close and I’d like to thank all parents and family members who provided support for our debaters in the online competitions this year. 

The provision of a stable internet connection and a quiet space for speakers was an important element in the overall success of the online debating season. We hope to build on the amazing accomplishments of our Junior Debaters next year and trust that 2022 will be a rewarding experience for all those who dare to engage in this wonderfully invigorating ‘sport for the mind’.

Michael Tod  Junior Debating Coordinator

Junior Secondary Program

Junior Secondary Program team: Mr Michael Tod, Oscar Creak (Year 7), Ella Dowling (Year 7), Jade Cowdery (Year 7), Stephanie Reynolds (Year 8) and Gabriela Fernandes (Year 7)

Junior Debating Squad

Junior Debating Squad, from left to right, back row: Mr Michael Tod, Oscar Creak (Year 7), Ella Dowling (Year 7), Jade Cowdery (Year 7), Alana Clarke (Year 9), Curtis McCoughtry (Year 9), Drew Magtaka (Year 8). 

Front row: Gabriela Fernandes (Year 7), Jackie Hiemstra (Year 8), Stephanie Reynolds (Year 8). Absent: Owen McCougtry (Year 7), Belle Hewitt (Year 7), Damon Maffescioni (Year 8).

D Grade Finalists

D Grade Finalists, from left to right: Alana Clarke (Year 9), Curtis McCoughtry (Year 9), Mr Michael Tod, Stephanie Reynolds (Year 8), Drew Magtaka (Year 8). Absent: Owen McCougtry (Yr 7)