Great Scot December 2019 Great Scot 158_December_ONLINE | Page 29

ABOVE LEFT: CHRISTOPHER O’CONNELL, RONAN AHL, EDWARD SONG. (RIGHT) JASON CHAN, NICHOLAS KLUCKOW, ANDRE RAMETTA
the tournament is the largest English-language debating competition
in the world.
‘As a part of the C1 team coached by William Pascoe (‘17), I enjoyed
an extremely successful season; we finished runners-up in the 2019
grand final. Speaking personally, my time in Scotch debating has
helped shape me by sharpening my sense of how I connect with the
world. Being able to work with coaches, teachers and teammates to
unearth the intricacies of complex local, national and global issues,
and to formulate arguments in response to them, has deepened my
understanding of world affairs.
‘Importantly, debating has exposed me to perspectives that differ
from my own. This wonderful opportunity to broaden my personal
horizons and challenge my thinking continues to develop my outlook
on society.
‘Yet, the ultimate joy I have derived from my time with debating
has come from the adrenaline-fuelled intellectual sparring alongside
teammates and against our opposition teams during the competition.
Working as a team to refute opposition cases and articulate why our
proposals are more meaningful has been an exhilarating combination
of anxiety and excitement. Being able to harness the emotions that
surge through my body and explain a logical case precisely and under
the pressure of the clock has increased my confidence as a young man.
‘Debating has offered me a broader perspective on world issues
and given me confidence to present ideas in a public sphere. But most
importantly, experiencing the camaraderie which emerges between
friends uniting behind an argument has been one of my greatest joys
at Scotch.’
ANDRE RAMETTA said: ‘In my third year of debating at Scotch
I have relished the opportunity to undertake, once again, one of the
most rewarding activities the college has to offer. I have walked away
from every training session, fierce discussion and competition debate
with no regrets, and a sense of exhilaration at the intensity of the
intellectual journey.
‘However the really beautiful thing about the program is how it
caters for those of all abilities, and throughout the course of the year,
with the help of the best coaches in the state, we have all walked away
with a wealth of experience and knowledge, as well as an enhanced
ability to efficiently formulate and express our perspectives on a range
of challenging contemporary issues.
‘This year I was lucky enough to be part of an incredibly prosperous
team that has bonded, grown and achieved enormous success
together as a group, which is something that we will all look back
on at the end of our time at Scotch with great fondness.
‘My experience of debating at Scotch has significantly altered
the way in which I conduct myself, appreciate the opinions of others
and confront the serious issues in life. I know I will be forever grateful
for this, and I would encourage anyone who is yet to experience this
program to consider stepping outside of their comfort zone and into
something new and deeply rewarding.’
CHALLENGE
DEBATING –
SKILLS FOR LIFE
This year I was fortunate to participate in the Challenge Debating
program at Scotch – an initiative that gives Year 8 Scotch boys the
opportunity to be involved in the Debaters Association of Victoria (DAV)
competition at the entry level usually reserved for Year 9 students.
As a member of Scotch 9, my team was gratified to reach the finals
this year where we represented Scotch against Year 9 students from
other schools.
Debating has equipped us with lifelong skills – thinking logically and
analytically, public speaking and communication skills, teamwork, and
how to approach issues in new, creative ways. We learned to structure
arguments and ideas clearly and concisely, while still covering all
relevant required material. We discussed and clarified opinions on the
pressing issues our world faces today. We had to thoroughly prepare
and plan our team approach to an issue, and also be able to improvise
on the spot.
Most important, however, is how debating has taught us to listen
carefully to others, respond to their approach, and advocate one’s point
of view in a respectful manner based on substance, fact and logic.
DAV debating this year has truly been a wonderful experience that has
built on prior knowledge we have had through British Parliamentary
Debating, Online Debating and extension opportunities.
CHRISTOPHER O’CONNELL – YEAR 8
www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot
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