Debating

Interschool debating: Round 5 

On Tuesday 4th August, our debating teams participated in the final of the interschool competition at Coburg High. With only three of our teams debating this round due to an unfortunate forfeit from our opposing D Grade team, the teams came out with two wins out of three. 

Our C Grade team (Year 10s) took up the challenge of their second secret topic, giving them just an hour to prepare a response – without devices – on the topic That in the age of AI, critical thinking skills are more important than ever.  This was a tough topic to argue the negative for and despite coming up with some reasoned rebuttals, our team of Freya Griffiths, Louisa Cui and April Emmett were pipped at the post by Brunswick Secondary College. 

Our A Grade (Year 12s) and B Grade (Year 10 &11s) both had the same secret topic of

 That we regret the rise of online second-hand markets (eg Depop, Ebay). The B Grade team of Illi Monahan, Finn Simpson-Henry and Alister Nunn were arguing the affirmative and came away with a huge six-point win over Princes Hill Secondary College’s team, with Alister taking out best speaker in the third speaker role. Our A Grade team of Hamish Emmett, Sam Roberts and Alex Wright argued the negative on the same topic and beat rivals Princes Hill Secondary College by one point, with Sam taking best speaker in second speaker role. 

At the end of the five rounds, our A Grade team have tied with Princes Hill SC with 18 out of a possible 20 points to progress to the Playoff series which will start at the end of August. A huge achievement and a fitting one for this dream team who have been working together since Year 8. 

Our junior debaters (Year 7 and 8) are set to participate in the DAV’s Junior School Program at the end of August.  

More are welcome! To avoid another group’s clash, we have changed meeting days this term. If keen to participate, come along to M17 on Monday lunchtimes or chat with Ms Balis or Ms Osburn if you have any questions.