Clarendon students compete in the largest English-language debating competition in the world

Yesterday, students from Y7-12 attended the first round of the Debaters Association of Victoria Schools Competition. The competition is the largest English-language debating competition in the world and takes place over five rounds.

After weekly sessions with their team and practice debates, students’ hard work culminated in a successful first round with three of the four teams winning their debates.

In Grade A, the topic for debate was people who are unvaccinated for COVID-19 by choice should not have access to the public health system, while Grade B debated whether artists should be held legally accountable for deaths and injuries that occur at their concerts.

Grade D, in which all Clarendon students were participating for their first time ever, argued whether sporting bodies should or should not accept sponsorship from gambling companies. Tariro Dzingai (Y7) was awarded best speaker in his grade, which is an impressive achievement given that it was his first time. Hilary Jenkin (Y12) was also awarded best speaker in Grade A.

The competition, complementary to their weekly debating co-curricular, provides students an opportunity to push themselves beyond their comfort zones and grow their confidence with public speaking. Behind the scenes, students partake in their own research to support their debate and are required to think on the spot when rebutting the opposing team.

Clarendon is proud to be involved in the largest English-language debating competition in the world and looks forward to following students throughout the next few rounds. Well done to everyone involved and good luck for your next debate!