Catholic School Debating Competition

St Agnes participated in the six rounds of debates organised by the Catholic Schools Debating Association (CSDA).

This season was a great and fruitful experience for all who took part. Whilst they came across difficult obstacles, it was worthwhile as the life skills and bonds gained are far more valuable and definitely worth the struggles. Through this competition, students gained a variety of skills crucial to the adult world that they will be entering in a few years' time.

First and foremost, the nature of debating enabled students to step out of their comfort zones and gain confidence in their abilities, through the tackling of issues they would not usually think of, and discussing them in front of an audience. The pressure from the time constraints also created room for them to think fast and improvise.

Aside from that, their English skills have improved because of debating. It allowed them to expand on our vocabularies, incorporating more sophisticated words in their speeches, such as 'intrepidity' and 'indubitably'. The importance of structuring paragraphs was also constantly reinforced — the idea of having an example and an explanation for every point taught them how to make stronger arguments, which is extremely helpful in all our subject areas.

The topics that were debated gave students further insight on what the world is like. For instance, the debate on human rights showed them the extent to which different countries violate the rights of their own citizens. Discussions like this made them more open-minded in the process, as they considered the factors of the opposite sides of often controversial issues.

The skills gained and honed had guided the Year 10 team, who started from the very bottom of the ocean, on the way to the top of Mt Everest. However, this wouldn't be possible if it weren't for the bonds they had formed amongst fellow debaters and the dedicated debating tutors.

Thursday afternoons and Friday nights were spent together creating opportunities for students to bond with other year groups. Often times they found their nervousness disappeared as one member would crack jokes and another would create pointless debates. Students also explored other schools together and even discovered the splendours of St Agnes Catholic High School — the beautiful school lights at night, and the classic 'ghost hunting'.

The debating teachers also played a vital role in this experience. The feedback received during our practices and debates allowed the team to see what was needed to improve on, and how to work on it. Teachers motivated students to persevere despite their stress from school, even helping them in better understanding their assessment tasks during free time.

As 'they' say, people may forget what you said, but they won't forget how you made them feel. Likewise, although students may forget our endless discussions and practices, they will never forget the warmth that the debating family gave them.

The debaters will never forget the sense of belongingness and support they obtained from this journey. They will never forget the pure happiness from playing Uno with their debating tutors. They will never forget the pride in seeing Years 7 to 9 making it to elimination rounds, Years 8 and 9 advancing to quarter-finals and finally Year 8 continuing onto the semi-finals....the furthest St Agnes has ever achieved.

The debaters are deeply appreciate being a part of a marvellous journey that gave them valuable life lessons and experiences, and the teachers and fellow debaters that supported them and drove them to develop more.

They wish St Agnes' future debaters the best of luck in the competitions to come, and to enjoy what their debating journeys have in store for them.