Debating

Debating Update – A Strong Start to the Season

It has been a wonderful start to the ISDA and Eastside Debating Competitions this term, with students from Years 6–12 demonstrating impressive commitment, enthusiasm, and growing confidence.

Trials and Training

This year marked the introduction of a formal Trial process for students in Years 7–10, implemented in response to rising interest in the Debating program. The passion, preparation, and courage shown by all students during Trials were outstanding. Coaches unanimously remarked on the high quality of delivery and the maturity displayed throughout the process.

Students who did not qualify for a competitive team this term have continued to engage through Social Debating, held during Monday training sessions. This provides a valuable opportunity to further develop skills, receive coaching, and prepare for selection in future competitions.

All debaters have been training diligently each Monday from 3.10pm–5pm, strengthening their argumentation, case construction, and teamwork across a broad range of topic areas.

ISDA Competition

Round 1

Congratulations to the Primary A, Year 7, and Year 9 ISDA teams for their impressive wins against Brigidine College, St Ives. This strong beginning on the topic of Education reflects excellent preparation and cohesion.

Round 2

A big congratulations to:

Primary A and Primary B for securing wins against Queenwood
Year 7, Year 10, Senior A, and Senior B for their victories on the topic of Media

These results demonstrate both skill and adaptability across year levels.

Round 3

Well done to Year 10 and Senior A for their strong win against Ravenswood. All teams are training hard and looking ahead with confidence to Round 4 against Scots.

Senior A ISDA Team – Pascale Otton (Year 11), Caitlin Cameron (Year 11) and Holly Johnston (Year 11)

Eastside Competition

Round 1

Our Eastside teams also enjoyed a fantastic start, competing in Round 1 against Rose Bay Secondary College, hosted at SCEGGS.

Congratulations to the Year 7, 8, 9, 10, and 12 teams for their wins on the topic of Education. Their early-season momentum and teamwork are highly commendable.

Please note: Topic distribution on Friday, 13 March will take place in the Auditorium due to an Old Girls’ event.

Hosting and Logistics

We strongly encourage all debaters to support their peers during hosting rounds. For away rounds, the bus will depart at 3:30pm, and all details are available on Clipboard. These arrangements apply across ISDA, Eastside, and Archdale competitions.

This Friday, 13 March:

ISDA (Round 5) will travel to Scots (bus departing straight after school)
Eastside (Round 3) will be hosted at SCEGGS against Scots

Looking Ahead

We look forward to finalising and announcing the Archdale teams before the end of Term. Thank you to all students, staff, and coaches for the dedication and energy contributing to such a positive start.

Best of luck to all teams in their upcoming debates! The debaters’ hard work, teamwork, and enthusiasm continue to raise the standard of debating across the school.

Suvini Kottegoda
Debating Co-ordinator