Debating News
This year students at MSCW are taking part in the CSDA debating competition. It has been a great experience and opportunity to debate on topics that challenge us and push us to interpret the topic and develop our team’s case. Throughout the entire competition it has given us new insights and ideas as well as the growth of relationships with other students at the College. Debating is not all about having a strong team case but it is also about enjoying ourselves while competing. I have taken away from this competition new friendships as well as new perspectives on subjects. Along with debating comes coaching, which allows us to develop a deeper understanding of the art of debating and to build up our skills. Without the guidance and organisational skills of our amazing debating teacher Mrs Colreavy, all of our successes would not have been possible. She has made sure that we are all comfortable and that we are able to have a great time debating each Friday afternoon. Thank you to our coaches and adjudicators who guide us and give up their time helping us. A big thank you to the many student volunteers who stay back after school until 7pm to help us with roles such as chairperson, timekeeper and guides, we really appreciate what you are doing for us.
Dimitra Hadjistavrou, Year 7 Student
We have been competing against schools from all over Sydney: from Marist Catholic College North Shore to Saint Patrick’s Dundas. Our debaters tackle global issues using logic, tact, and public speaking skills. We debate topics such as culture and religion, publicity, and the media, policy and government, free speech and activism. Debating helps us to take different views in society and try to understand contemporary issues from different perspectives. We work as a team to define the topic and create arguments to support our point. It’s really enjoyable to meet new people and work closely with school teachers and volunteers that help out as timekeepers and chairpeople. It’s really great to see all the teachers getting involved, our incredible Assistant Principal loves to help out! Mrs Colreavy is extremely dedicated to the debate teams and the whole competition, we love our training sessions and we learn so much about what is happening in the world today. Debating is like ‘The Hunger Games’ of public speaking. Don’t panic, no one dies.
Adelaide Kennedy, Year 8 Student
The topics throughout this season have been challenging and thought-provoking, and have encouraged all debaters to think of these statements in a different way. A few topics in particular were: ‘There is little culture left to cancel’, and ‘Australia’s future is as a republic’. These topics have challenged us in more ways than one and encouraged us to keep up to date with current events (watch the news, The Project, Have You Been Paying Attention). All of our debates have been incredible learning experiences, especially for the Year 7s and the first-time debaters. They teach us how to deliver a speech on short notice, improve our critical thinking skills, and teamwork skills.
