Our talented debaters showcased remarkable confidence and expertise as they represented SHC in the Senior DAV Debating Competition held at Geelong Grammar throughout Term Two and the beginning of Term Three.
The DAV Debating Competition offers students a platform to develop and sharpen crucial lifelong capabilities, specifically focused on public speaking, argument construction and overall communication skills. By participating in these debating challenges, our students were able to think critically under pressure, organise complex viewpoints into persuasive structures and present their ideas with clarity and confidence.
The students gained practical experience that extends well beyond the classroom, and facing peers from various schools throughout the competition encouraged healthy academic rivalry and intellectual growth.
Well done to all our magnificent debaters – we are all so proud of your courage and dedication!
Some of our debaters give their reflection on the competition below:
This year's DAV Schools Competition was such a good experience and so much fun. Representing our school in the Geelong region during the five rounds at Geelong Grammar from April to July was an awesome challenge. The competition was at another level compared to previous years, going against some really strong schools. We won some and we lost some, but every debate taught us a lot. Going head-to-head on tough prepared and secret topics definitely forced us to think on our feet and back ourselves up. Getting some wins was great, but also hanging out as a team and having a great time together was amazing too.
- Holly Sharp, Year 10
I am a Year 8 student in a C Grade debating team. This year, we have completed three rounds of DAV competition on Wednesday and Thursday nights, at Geelong Grammar and have one round remaining. All of our debates have been quite close, and we have achieved two wins so far.One of the biggest things I have enjoyed about debating is working together within our team. I think our ability to support each other and help one another prepare - on little notice sometimes - has been a major factor in our success. Debating has helped me build confidence in my rebuttal skills, improve my ability to think critically and develop stronger teamwork skills.
Overall, it has been a very enjoyable experience, and I have learned a lot from taking part in the competition.
- Anaiah Harvey, Year 8
Participating in Debating at school has been a very valuable and rewarding experience. This year, my team has been debating in the DAV, Yr 9 - 12 competition in the D Grade. Every fortnight, on a Thursday night, we meet at Geelong Grammar School and debate against various students from schools all around Geelong.Having the opportunity to debate has helped me to think critically, organise my ideas clearly and communicate them with confidence. It has taught me the importance of listening to other perspectives, and responding carefully to opposing arguments. I've also been privileged to meet like-minded people who are incredibly smart, supportive and talented and make many memories with them through debating.
Overall, debating has strengthened my communication and teamwork and encouraged me to be open-minded and prepared to discuss important issues in academic and everyday situations.
- Gretl Sargeant, Year 9
My experience with debating is that it is such a fun opportunity to practice public speaking plus also working with your friends to verse other teams. My favourite debate would have to be the one I just did because it was about introducing a policy and policy ones are the best in my mind. Debating is so much fun and a great opportunity.
- Saffron Macfadyen
