It was another successful week for Nudgee debating; recording wins in 6.2’s, 8.2’s, 9.1’s, 10.1, 10.2 and the Senior A. Additionally, the Senior A defeated a strong St Rita’s team in round one of the Queensland Debating Union’s Brisbane Competition (QDU). Round Seven of GPS debating provided its fair share of suspense and theatrical drama for all debaters, in particular the Senior A.

After a series of agonisingly narrow defeats to GT and BGS, the Senior A was able to conquer Churchie in a split panel decision. Like all Senior A debates so far, this one proved to be a back and forth affair. Both teams contested till the very end, with each speaker edging the debate in their favour. Substantive material from both teams was sound and cogent but the rebuttal was even better. With every argument made by Nikhil, Oliver and myself, Churchie responded.

Even Chad Oehlman – one of Nudgee’s calmest individuals and the witty chairman for the debate, was chewing his fingernails in suspense. However, In the end, our persistence and perseverance were rewarded. Despite realising that the debate was slipping away from us late in the piece, Nkihil, Oliver and I worked together as a team and never gave up till the final speech of the night. I believe that this mindset, grounded in the Habits of Mind, was what enabled us to overcome Churchie: a debating powerhouse.

Moving into the final stages of the GPS competition and the initial stages of QDU, all Nudgee teams are filled with confidence and inspiration to firstly improve upon their skills but also to win debates. For the Senior the goal now is to come second in GPS by winning the next two debates and to qualify for the playoffs in QDU.

We look forward to this Friday when we take the trip down the M1 to debate against The Southport School – who has proven to be a handful for debating powerhouses this year. I wish all teams the best with their preparations for this debate and look forward to another incredible night. I would also like to quickly thank all coaches, Mx Makiol, Mr Stewart, Mrs Daunt, all coaching staff, catering staff and the AV crew for their efforts which made Friday a remarkable night.

Shannen Gerard-Solker, 2021 Debating Captain