Debating Teams

With only two more rounds until the debating finals, our Oakleigh Grammar teams took a short break from their busy exam week to compete with other schools on some fascinating topics.

Our Year 12s battled Huntingtower on a secret topic: That Australia should ban retail and supermarkets from creating discounts and sales. Archna, Rumi and especially Nathanael argued logically and strongly, but were beaten by some excellent and emotive manner by the opposition. A bit unlucky according to the audience, and this was our only loss for the night.

Our two Year 11 teams (with Anastasia from Year 10 stepping up to join them) took on Wesley and Huntingtower on a very subjective motion: That we prefer music performed groups to music performed by individuals. Oakleigh Grammar pushed the merits of uncompromised artist merit, and won both debates. Olivia (first time as opening speaker) and Irene won Best Speaker Awards.

Our Year 9s challenged hosts Avila College, arguing against the motion that we should pursue life on Mars, through the lens that if we have the technology to prepare another planet for ideal life conditions, we should do that here on Earth first. Hilariously, Eva literally waved a Mars bar to help make her final case and earned another Best Speaker Award for her presentation.

After a big night and almost a clean sweep of wins, I finally said the words the teams were hoping for: “Well done guys, that deserves a Maccas run”. The motion to have a splurge on sweet treats was met with zero rebuttal and was passed unanimously.

On a personal note, this was a special night for me as it was my final time leading Oakleigh Grammar’s debating teams. After 12 years teaching in this school community, including 8 years leading the Debating, and 5 years coordinating in the Middle School, I will be taking up a leadership opportunity at another school at the end of term. I have loved my time at Oakleigh, with debating one of the regular highlights that I will miss very much. I wish all our brilliant debaters, and our new Debating Coordinator Ms Jackson, the best of luck for their doubtless successful futures. Debating is an activity that develops a person in intellect, preparation, strategy, teamwork, bravery, logic and ethics – keep it up Oakleigh Grammar!

Leigh Gridley

Debating Coordinator