Debating update

Have you ever wondered whether young people's vote should be worth more; or whether practitioners of alternative medicine whose patients die after receiving their treatment should be prosecuted for murder?

Perhaps, in light of recent global and national events, perhaps you have had a lively discussion about whether everyone should be able to vote in US Presidential Elections? Maybe you and your friends have bent your minds to the merits of the government compulsorily acquiring a number of elite private schools, retaining their existing fees and business models?

These are amongst the challenging, often contentious, always thought-provoking topics on which our teams have had to speak by this halfway stage of the Western Australian Debating League competition.

Over the 11 teams representing Iona this year, we have clocked up several wins over the first three rounds: the five Novice teams have collected seven wins amongst them; and the four Junior teams have eight wins to their credit. The Senior teams have also acquitted themselves well, experiencing a steep learning curve in acquiring the new skills demanded of impromptu topics, and missing out on wins by margins of only one or two points: a great credit to these students, almost all of whom are new to the Senior level of the competition.

Attendance at the WADL debating workshop held after school at Iona in Term 2 indicated the commitment, passion and interest our students take in this very worthwhile skill. The workshop provided our debaters with tips and strategies for refining their techniques, and we look forward to seeing their further successes as they put into place the advice they were given.

We congratulate all our teams on their efforts to hone their skills, be responsible team members and be proud representatives for the College.

Samantha Perera

Debating Coordinator