ACG Strathallan argue their way to the top

ACG Strathallan argue their way to the top

16 September 2010, Papakura Last Wednesday, the ACG Strathallan team of Ashley Varney, Phoebe Cowdell-Murray and Hannah Senior beat 23 other Auckland schools to win the Junior Premier Grade Debating Competition. As if that wasn't enough, Ashley and Phoebe have also won places on the 'Top Speaker List' and will be receiving individual awards when the trophy is presented at the beginning of next term.

The girls are not only accomplished speakers but also great at thinking quickly under time pressure. The debates are 'impromptu' so they were not given their moot until they arrived. They had one hour preparation time after being told whether they were negating or affirming. The debate involves each person getting up and speaking for approximately six minutes during which time the other team may offer 'points of information' ie challenge the speaker.

Ashley, Year 11, says "It's really amazing. We've worked hard for months right through the competition and it feels like it's all paid off." Phoebe, also Year 11, adds "We were all holding hands just before the announcement was made and although we knew we had a chance at winning, it was still a huge shock. We're still buzzing!"

This grade is the most competitive grade and the competition itself went for several months. It involved around ten debates in the general competition after which the top eight teams went on to the quarter finals. Strathallan came out of the general competition as the strongest and then won their quarter final, semi final and then the grand final on Wednesday

The moot for the final was "This house would prohibit unions from taking strike action" and previous topics have involved whaling, boxing, drinking and blood donations.

Executive Principal Robin Kirkham is naturally extremely proud of the girls. "The skills of debating are ones that will stay with these girls for life. Their success will inspire others and help to make debating a major strength at ACG Strathallan.”

ENDS

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