2022 Debating

After two years of disruption, the Debaters Association of Victoria was running in-person debates again.  This year Greensborough College entered one team into the Junior Debating Program (Year 7 & 8) held at Ivanhoe Grammar School.  After a preparation and information evening, students prepared for their first debate. 

The first topic of the season was ‘That we should ban smoking and vaping in public spaces.’  Unfortunately, our draw was the Negative side.  Our team of Harrison Thornbury, Iliya Kabiri Samani and Megan He argued valiantly, but were defeated by Ivanhoe Grammar on the evening.  

After watching an exhibition debate and attending another information evening, the second topic was ‘That the Schools Spectacular is a waste of resources.’  With some solid arguments and preparation, the Affirmative team of Aidan Cox-Willis, Amelia Keith & Mischa McKay were able to defeat their opponents from Our Lady of Mercy College.  Amelia was also named the MVP of the debate by the adjudicator.  

Our final round saw teams argue ‘That we should cap the salary of professional sportspeople’.  Our Affirmative team had a solid argument prepared, but there was a misunderstanding of the starting time of the debate. With less than a minute to go before an automatic forfeit, all of our team members arrived, ready to argue.  With an audience of supportive students from Greensborough College, the team of Harrison Thornbury, Iliya Kabiri Samani and Mischa McKay were able to win against Alphington Grammar School.  Mischa was also named MVP by the adjudicator this round.  

Whilst the Junior Debating League is short, our team-members should be proud of the hard work they put into their research and speeches.  They were able to win two out of three debates!  Thank you to Ms Fogarty for her help planning arguments for our speakers.  Finally, thank you to the parents who helped take students to these evenings.  It was fantastic to see the debating students improve their confidence, articulation and oracy skills through this program. 

I hope to see a Year 9 Team and another Junior Team in 2024. 

Andrew Ericksen 

Debating Team Coordinator