It never ceases to amaze me how impressive our young debaters are when they take the floor to engage passionately in arguments about human rights, the environment or even government policy. Debating at Ruyton offers each student an opportunity to engage and consider issues that are relevant to our society and, in the process, find their own voice and by Year 12, most definitely do!
This year we had a very strong intake of students at Year 8 and it was one of the biggest squads we have had for a long time. For me, this is an exciting trend as it reinforces the fact that we are creating opportunities for students to express themselves and to wear their ‘school spirit’ on their sleeves, as it were.
At Ruyton, participation in an intellectual pursuit such as Debating has always been respected. What impresses me is that the activity draws students with a range of abilities, students who give it ‘a go.’ Then, increasingly, they discover that they love the challenge of getting out in front of an audience to work with their team-mates to hopefully persuade everyone in that room that their arguments are clear, reasoned and the most compelling. That Debating is something any student ‘can do’ reflects a deeper acceptance and understanding within our community that it is open for everyone and worthwhile. Indeed, I know that our Year 12 debaters will miss the camaraderie that Debating at Ruyton has provided.
Our Debating captain this year was Yoshitha Bandara and her passion at “Prep” nights and during each round was always palpable. Yoshitha is well known to the school for her amazing ability as a public speaker. What I hope that the girls in each squad remember about her tenure as captain is the respect she gave the activity. Yoshitha supported her fellow debaters providing them with notes, assisting with speeches, organising them online and showing them that to be the best you need to plan like the best. In this regard, we are also very fortunate that old girls Annabel Pitt, Rebecca Cohen, Natalie Scott, Isabelle Prentice and former Debating captain Charlotte Franich continue to offer their support whenever possible.
We had a very good season this year, but there is scope for greatness. Because we are a small school and our debaters are often involved with other activities and because the DAV season is so short, a single loss can be the difference between a final’s play off berth. The key for us to achieve results that better reflect just what we are capable of is for more of our debaters to rise to the challenge and to prepare with real verve so that every debate is worthwhile and memorable.
Over the past few years, I have structured the activity to allow new students to experience the thrills of debating as well as to create pathways for teams to excel. Our Debating captain for 2010 is Beryl Yan and I very much look forward to working with her to make our next season as successful as possible.
Mr Walter Zavattiero, Debating Co-ordinator