Secondary School

Debating - Round 5 Update!

On Wednesday night – 11 June, Trinity’s Novice, Junior (Year 9) and Senior teams travelled to Perth Modern School to debate opponents on topics related to ‘Justice and Ethics’.

The Trinity College Novice Team, comprisingof Nolan Morch (7.1), Daniel Patrick (7.1) and Cristian Zampatti (7.8), took on the Affirmative team from Guildford Grammar School and they debated the motion: This house opposes the use of psychological punishments in prison (e.g. solitary confinement, intimidation by prison guards). Despite a small setback with their interpretation of the prompt, the boys regrouped quickly and presented some convincing arguments for their side, demonstrating their ability to think on their feet. However, despite their quick thinking and strong rebuttals, their opposition proved a little too strong on the night, and the boys were unable to secure a win.

Next up were the Junior Year 9 team of Hasan Mirza (9.7), Alex Perry (9.1) and Christian Fisicchia (9.6) who debated against a team from Presbyterian Ladies College. Their motion was: This house believes it is in the best interest of racial minorities to pursue jobs in law enforcement. Both teams presented thoughtful and interesting points while also offering and accepting some challenging POIs. It was a very close debate, with the adjudicator finally awarding the win to Trinity. Well done to our Junior Year 9 team for their efforts!

Finally, the Senior team comprising of Bailey Thomas (12.7), Bowie McCabe (12.7) and Edward McLean (11.6) took their turn against opponents from Mount Lawley SHS. Their topic was: This house opposes the practice of churches expelling members who are affiliated with organised crime. Drawing on their ‘inside knowledge’ of studying at a Catholic school, the boys went into this debate with confidence and presented well-developed arguments about the Church and its mandate to ‘love thy neighbour’. However, their opposition delivered more compelling points that impressed the adjudicator, and Mount Lawley SHS ultimately took the win on the night.

We will conclude this WADL Debating season with two more catch up debates next week for the Junior (Year 9) and Senior teams. It has been a fantastic season so far and we look forward to both teams giving their all and finishing on a high.