Debating at APHS 2023

On Saturday 23 September Aberfoyle Park High School took part in the Debating SA State Grand Final in the House of Assembly at Parliament House. Out of nine registered debate teams for 2023 we had three teams make it to the Grand Final round and two of those teams took out their divisional State title. Those teams were the Year 9 Green team and the Senior Green team.

I’d like to individually acknowledge the Grand Final team members and their coaches for a nail-biting season and Grand Final. The Year 8 Blue – Vanessa Ingram (Coach) with Deejai, Tamara, Zeke and Jasmine, Year 9 Green – Vanda Farrall (Coach) with Ameena, Priya, Abinav and Jessica and Senior Green – Joff Sander (Coach) with Cadence, Konon, Reuben, Georgia, Lachlan and Julia.

Topics for the day were all assigned on the affirmative side:

Year 8 “That Cyborg technology should be the next frontier of human evolution”

Year 9 “That the ACT decision to reduce penalties for the personal use of drugs is a good idea”

Senior “That in light of recent events, the Government should re-nationalise Qantas”

A very big personal thank you to the coaches that volunteered their time and expertise for 2023 debate season. They gave lots of mentoring, sitting and watching and supporting the teams during the term 2 and 3 seasonal run on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

Our coaches for 2023

Josh Smith – Year 7

Joff Sander – Year 7

Vanessa Ingram – Year 8

Matt Froese – Year 8

Kate Lonergan – Year 8

Zoe Shaw – Year 9

Vanda Farrall – Year 9

Craig Nielsen – Year 10

Joff Sander – Senior

Thank you to our Principal Marion Coady for her support and attendance throughout the season and in the nail biting quarter, semi and grand final rounds. 

The words at the top of the Debating SA page resonate

“We inspire self-confident people, engaged citizens & leaders for a better world through debating”

That we do.   Be proud, I am.