Debating

Debating

A Remarkable Week for SCEGGS Debating

Last week marked the conclusion of the ISDA and Eastside Debating Competitions for 2026 and what a finish it was. With all students now completing their Friday‑night seasons, and Archdale continuing Tuesday evenings, our debaters have shown extraordinary commitment, courage, and community spirit.

 

ISDA – Semi Finals

A huge congratulations to the Primary A ISDA team, who qualified for the Semi Finals and debated with maturity and confidence against MLC Sydney at Scots College. Although they did not progress to the Grand Final, their achievement reflects a season of growth, teamwork, and impressive skill development. The topic was “That we should introduce a maximum number of hours of employment that individuals under 18 are allowed to work for” and SCEGGS was debating the negative side.

We look forward to watching these young debaters continue to flourish as they move into senior years.

 

Eastside – Grand Finals

SCEGGS celebrated an extraordinary sweep in the Eastside Grand Finals, with Year 9, Year 10 and Year 12 all winning their debates.

The topic area was Current Affairs and the topics were:

  1. Year 9 – That the government should lower the property tax for creative industries (affirmative)
  2. Year 10 – That the USA should ban the sale of AI chips to China (negative)
  3. Year 12 – That the USA should ban the sale of AI chips to China (negative)

A particularly heartfelt congratulations goes to the Year 12 team, who have navigated significant adversity this term. Their Grand Final performance was a powerful display of resilience, grace, and exceptional skills. The standing ovation they received from the other teams was a moving reminder of the strong, supportive debating community that thrives at SCEGGS.

 

Archdale Competition – Rounds 3 & 4

Round 3 – Hosted at Loreto Normanhurst

Winning teams: Year 7A, Year 8A, Year 9, Year 10, Seniors

 Topic area: Sports and Popular Culture

Round 4 – Hosted at SCEGGS

Winning teams: Year 8A, Year 8B, Year 9, Year 10 and Seniors

Topic area: Law and Justice

Our Archdale teams continue to demonstrate consistency, confidence, and strong collaboration as the competition progresses.

 

Looking Ahead

There is plenty more to anticipate as the term unfolds:

  • Inter‑House Debating (Junior School): Early Term 3
  • Inter‑House Debating (Senior School): Wednesday 3 June and Wednesday 10 June. Teams will be finalised by the end of this week — all students are encouraged to join, whether experienced or new.

Archdale teams travelling to away debates will continue to depart by bus at 3.10pm. Students should notify their teachers at the start of the lesson and may leave five minutes early. They are expected to catch up on any missed work.

The next round will take us to Pymble Ladies’ College.

 

Thank You

With all students now concluding their ISDA and Eastside seasons, we extend our sincere thanks to all debaters, chairpersons, coaches, and supporters who have contributed to such a successful and uplifting term of debating.

We look forward to Round 5 of Archdale next week and wish all teams the very best.

Suvini Kottegoda
Debating Co-ordinator