Debating and Model United Nations

Last Thursday was Round 3 of the Victorian Interschool Debating Competition at Wesley College.

Oakleigh Grammar had six teams competing: two from Year 11, two from Year 10 and two from Year 9. We had our work cut out for us too, competing against the likes of Huntingtower, Caulfield Grammar and Wesley College themselves.

The Year 9 teams (featuring three first time debaters, Rheanna, Chrisanthy and Thomai) took the affirmative side of the topic “that Australia should implement a substantial tourist tax”. They prepared exceptionally well, with a model taxing only international tourists $50 upon entry (half of what New Zealand charge) and netting $380 million annually to repay the communities and environments affected by tourism. Both teams won, one officially and one unofficially as Caulfield Grammar were missing some debaters. All were thrilled at what they achieved, with Rheanna and Anastasia receiving best speaker awards.

Our Year 10s faced their first ever secret topic, revealed at 6pm: “that it should be compulsory to complete sustainability training every year to visit natural spaces”. With one hour and no technology to prepare, they scrambled their ideas and got stuck into it, for one win and one loss. Connie was given the best speaker award.

Our Year 11s (already no strangers to secret topics) were assigned the affirmative side of the hot topic “that foraging (eg for wild mushrooms) require a licence”. Here we also won one and lost one debate. In the win, Rumi stepped up for her first debate, and Elena won her third consecutive best speaker award (clearly looking to earn Oakleigh Grammar’s third Swanny Award!).

Mr Dickinson described the one we lost as the best debate he’s ever watched. With every debater scoring above average, our previously undefeated team of Nathanael, Archna and Lazarus argued superbly but went down by one point to an amazing opposition team.

Four wins, two close losses: not bad at all.

Most importantly, the speakers were positive as always, and we were joined and supported by three non-debating schoolmates, Alumni Noah Peoples (who is now a qualified adjudicator), Mr Dickinson and Mr Joyce.

But wait…there’s more!!

The very next day marked the 10th Victorian Model United Nations (the second for Oakleigh Grammar), held at McKinnon Secondary College. Oakleigh Grammar’s team of four represented the African nation of Gambia. We received an exciting video address from New York City by António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the real United Nations. Carlisle Richardson, a real UN delegate and the Ambassador for St Kitts and Nevis joined us in person, acting as Secretary-General for the day.

Lazarus read our Position Statement to the Assembly with passion, citing Gambia’s status as a low-lying country most effected by climate change, and calling on more developed country to do their part in reducing emissions. The countries then debated and formed alliances to establish a collaborative resolution on the topic “Combating Climate Change: Committing to Global Action”. The day was a great success and a successful new resolution was passed.

Congratulations to all our participants - you have represented Oakleigh Grammar with pride, bravery, skill and teamwork.

Leigh Gridley

Year level Leader (Years 8 & 9)

Debating Coordinator