Extracurricular - Debating

The students of Auburn High School’s Debating and Public Speaking Club have had a busy start to Term 2.  In preparation for various debating and public speaking competitions, students have been working individually and collectively to prepare, polish and execute their respective speeches and arguments.

Recently the AHS Intermediate Debate Team won their round two debate as part of the Debater’s Association of Victoria’s (DAV) Schools Competition.  Competing in the Hawthorn region, Anna D, Bosco L and Sophie N were the affirmative for the topic “That parliamentarians should be allowed to hold citizenship other than Australian citizenship”. Their arguments were presented well and they were able to develop great rebuttals.  The research process was supported by Mietta R and Caroline M, who are also part of the team. The whole team is looking forward to a further three rounds of debating this year as part of this competition.

Nimalan S and Michelle L competed in the 32nd Annual Ainger Peck Public Speaking Award, run by the Richmond Rotary Club.  The competition saw persuasive speeches delivered by entrants in Years 7-12 from schools across Melbourne.  Michelle spoke about the issue of unfair beauty standards while Nimalan argued for the need to acknowledge both positives and negatives in life.  Both students represented Auburn High School with pride and excellence in what was said to be the strongest field of competitors for this Award.

Sophie N competed in the semi-final of the Balwyn Rotary’s Four-Way Test Showcase, whereby students from the Boroondara area prepare speeches in alignment with the Rotary’s notions of fairness, goodwill, truth and benefit to all.  Sophie presented an excellent and compelling speech about the fast fashion industry and how it negatively impacts upon the environment and workers.  The speech was delivered with confidence and great tone.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the students for their effort and excellence so far this year, as well as their parents for supporting them.  I look forward to updating the community about future opportunities and competitions students participate in.