Note: read to the end to find out about the much-anticipated Kitchen Tyrell debates against CGS!!!
Semester two of the ACT Debating Union (ACTDU) competition begins in week 4, with CGGS entering 19 teams across three age groups. Last semester, CGGS debaters had incredible achievements, undoubtedly toppling the competition.
What is the ACTDU competition?
Debaters from schools all over Canberra compete in weekly rounds of the ACTDU competition, debating topics from current affairs to pop culture. The debates are structured in a 3v3 format, with three speakers in each team. Debaters present a case and rebut points brought up by the opposition, using logic and analysis to convince the adjudicator to agree with their case. The ACTDU competition is suitable for debaters of all skill levels, whether you’re a competitive speaker, looking for something to add to your resumé, or just want to do something fun with your friends!
CGGS achievements
Last semester, eight teams progressed to the quarter-finals, where they competed in elimination rounds to decide the two grand finals teams. CGGS was proud to have teams in the grand finals of all three age divisions.
The junior open consists of debaters from years 6 to 8. This semester, two highly capable teams from CGGS faced off in the grand finals. CGGS 1 (Sidhe Tyagi, Ridhima Mookerjee, Laila Chapman, and Elke Spiller) debated against CGGS 4 (Frishta Rahman, Durriyan Ali, Evelyn Downton, and Miranda Tyler) on the topic That we would prefer a world where nobody has the ability to lie.
It was a close debate, which was awarded to CGGS 1.
The senior open consists of debaters from years 9 and 10. In this age division as well, we blew the competition away, with two CGGS teams going head to head in the grand finals. CGGS 2 (Pratyusha Mahunta, Emily Ezaki-Swain, Sidratul Muntaha Siddique, and Bethany Irvine) won the debate against CGGS 1 (Erin Wyatt, Reshmi Senanayake, Olivia Noonan, and Eve Truswell) on the topic That we regret the glorification of geniuses.
The advanced open consists of debaters from years 11-12. Last semester, CGGS 1 (Bella Mun, Lauren Goldie, and Bella Laverock) debated against Radford 1 (Roshan, Terry, Imogen, James, and Camilla) on the topic That we would prefer a world where everyone believed in a ‘sleeping’ god rather than an ‘active’ god. Both teams presented in-depth and nuanced arguments, but ultimately, Radford 1 was named the winner of the debate.
Things to look forward to this semester!
Each year, CGGS and CGS face off in two comedic debates: the Kitchen and Tyrell debates. Year 9 and year 12 students participate in these debates, putting witty and humorous spins on topics like: That we should introduce a maximum age limit in parliament or that teen girls have a tougher time than boys.
2021 CGGS year 12 team (left to right) Ashwini Sivakumar, Abbie Worswick, and Jaimie Noonan
This year, the Kitchen Tyrell debates will be hosted at CGS, and are scheduled for Tuesday, Week 6.
No matter your experience with debating, the Kitchen Tyrell debates are an event you can’t miss!