Debating

A strong start for novice teams

On Tuesday evening our two debating teams competed in the first round of this year’s Western Australian Debating League season, held at Shenton College.

Ms Newbold’s Novice Team, represented by Oscar Quartermain, Isaac O'Neill and Owen Bishop, won their first debate, against Shenton College, arguing in favour of the motion that: “This house would implement the four-day school week model.” 

This was the first time that any of the team had participated in a formal debate, so it was wonderful that our novices were able to come away from this with a win. This experience gave all of the speakers and their supporters, Elissa Flynn and Jenna Arnold, a much stronger sense of what these debates involve and what they will need to do to continue this form.

Our more experienced Junior team represented, in the first round, by Cooper Grant, Gabriele Bott, Eli Holbeach, supported by Isabelle Seymour, were unfortunately unsuccessful in arguing that: “This house should ban exclusionary disciplinary strategies e.g. suspensions and expulsions.” 

The team narrowly lost to Hale School in a feisty debate which they certainly used to refine their technique for both preparation and delivery.

Mr Damien Kerrigan 

HoLA English and Languages