Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2023

FROM THE STUDENTS Debating

Naomi: Liza, you haven’t always been a debater, but now you are one of the activity’s strongest advocates. Why is that? Liza: I originally joined Debating in Year 7 because I was looking for something I had not done in primary school and that would help me keep up with the spirited discussions on all sorts of topics at home. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way I began to find that in order to effectively manage my time to meet my academic aspirations, Debating had to go. However, I missed the early morning collegial jousting with my coach and team, and the late-night arguing with opponents from other schools, as well as the exposure to issues and events I had never heard about. Still, Naomi, I have no idea how you managed to stay Debating in Years 10 and 11 when none of us had really mastered good organisational skills. Naomi: I think it’s because I love to learn about new ideas and look at world events and situations in new ways, and I love to argue! Debating offered me a way to explore the world, and confront perspectives (and sometimes defend perspectives) I didn’t agree with. Debating taught me tolerance and how to understand different viewpoints. In Defence of Debating A CONVERS A TION BETWEEN N A OMI A ND LIZ A Naomi Dooley (12E) and Liza Shoebridge (12B)

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Liza: And that’s what I was looking for when I re-joined Debating in Year 12. I realised how much I missed working in a collaborative team environment and I wanted to join an activity I loved, as a break from my academic studies. I’ve found that engaging with Debating has been a good way to add more fun to my year. I realised I definitely missed it in the two years I didn’t debate. It’s been great getting to participate in a team activity and push my skills in speaking and forming arguments with a supportive team and coach. I have developed my confidence in public speaking, and Debating has also spurred me to further consider current issues in society. I have found myself more actively aware of real-world issues because of my involvement in Debating. As a bonus this awareness supports my understanding of topics in Humanities and English subjects. Debating has also provided a fun atmosphere to experiment with argument formulation in a group setting. Working together as a team has proved incredibly rewarding in getting to experience competing as a team and working together to form solutions. Even though I didn’t debate in some previous years, that hasn’t been a deterrent or hindered my ability to contribute to the team. I really recommend that anyone considering re-joining the program does so, as you’ll be provided resources to catch up and you will have the full support of the coaches and coordinator. Naomi: I agree with you, Liza, and especially relate to the great atmosphere in a Year 12 team. Our coach, Adhiti Gobindnarain (2019), who is herself a past debater and Debating Captain, is amazing, and she brings some fascinating perspectives and skills to all our meetings. I find her inspirational and she has been a great mentor as I navigate my way through the role of Debating Captain and Arts Captain this year. These roles are challenging but so rewarding. And of course, all those public speaking skills we learn through Debating support me in my other leadership role as well.

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CAPTIONS 1 NAOMI DOOLEY 2 LIZA SHOEBRIDGE

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BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL

GAZETTE • ISSUE 1, 2023 ISSUE 1, 2023