Grand final debating

On Wednesday 21 October two of St Kilda Road’s debating teams competed in the state grand final, held at Caulfield Grammar School.

In order to get to the grand final, the C Grade team (Year 10), Isabelle, Miriam, Amelia and Angelina, had debated against other local teams and won the Caulfield C Grade League. They then went on to win two play-offs, beating Gippsland Grammar School, Scotch College and Catholic Ladies College in the lead-up to the grand final.

They debated on the affirmative side in the grand final against a Scotch College team on the topic, That the media should depict the full horrors of war. All three girls performed exceptionally well and were only narrowly beaten by Scotch.

The A Grade team (Year 12), Jessica (Debating captain), and Jasmine , also won their respective division in the Caulfield region. They then went on to win against teams from Brighton Grammar School, Melbourne High School, and Ballarat and Clarendon College to reach the grand final. All debates at A Grade level are secret topics, given on the night with only one hour to prepare and without the use of any electronic devices. Their topic was That the Government should no longer recognise all romantic long term relationships and Wesley arguing on the negative team. It was an excellent debate and wonderful to see so many parents, teachers and students supporting the girls. There were five adjudicators and, although it was a split decision, the debate was awarded to St Leonards.

Congratulations to both teams and their coach, Amy, for an amazing season. Out of 300 + teams from across Victoria, they were both runners-up in their respective divisions.