The Case for
Debating By Athol-Mary Mahoney, Head of Debating “Debating has been a part of my life at the College since Year 7, and every year I am challenged to improve my critical thinking, writing, and speaking skills. Whilst the season is short, every year offers new opportunities to develop these valuable skills, and to build more friendships between peers.” – William Carr (Year 12) These words from a current debater sum up the many reasons why debating is such a popular co-curricula activity at College. This year, 50 students participated in the Debaters Association of Victoria competition, debating against 21 schools from the Geelong region with outstanding success. Teams from Years 10 and 11 were undefeated in the Geelong region and won through to the State Octo-Finals. The Year 9 team was on top of the ladder in Geelong and went on to the first round of the State Finals. Year 11 student Molly McLaughlin (B Grade) won the Swannie as best speaker in the region. From April to September, teams meet weekly to prepare for the next debate. Anyone walking past G4 while debaters planned the next debate would attest to the fact that debating is not a quiet activity! It is important that all ideas
and perspectives are voiced and heard. All of the research needs to be absorbed and understood. This requires talk, talk, more talk. Topics may be as diverse as internet gambling, welfare cards, genetic testing and genderspecific toys. Students need to understand the events, issues and philosophies of today’s world. This leads to passionate and rigorous debate even before the speeches are written! “It has taught me to approach every new idea with an open mind.” – Laura Turnbull (Year 11) “It is an opportunity to learn about topics that otherwise we may not have considered. Therefore we further develop an understanding of social, economic, community and political issues.” – Georgia White (Year 10) “I enjoy debating because it encourages me to consider issues from different perspectives and it has motivated me to take more interest in the news as you never know what the secret topic may be!” – Izzy Greer (Year 11) Throughout their years of debating, students learn to speak confidently and to be engaging, as well as persuasive. They develop their own style of powerful and interesting delivery.
Year 11 debaters, from left, Declan Skuza, Izzy Greer, Laura Turnbull, Michaela Ryan, Devmy Panagodage and Molly McLaughlin, meet regularly to discuss a diverse range of debating topics.
18 Ad Astra Issue No 131