Debating provides a great opportunity for boys to develop public speaking skills, the ability to analyse arguments, and to prepare and present a cohesive case.

The school participates in the ACT Debating Union's competitions. There are junior, intermediate and senior competitions that run from March until August, and a shorter Crime Prevention competition from September to November.

Training sessions are held each Friday afternoon from 3:45pm to 5pm. Debates are held during the evening at different venues around Canberra.

Boys are expected to wear School winter uniform to all debates.

Debating Grand Finals and Prizes

On Monday night the grand final of the Ford debating competition was held at the ANU. The topic of the debate was 'that Australia should boycott the 2008 Beijing Olympics'. The panel of seven adjudicators unanimously awarded the debate to CGS1: Miles Greenberg Year 8, Joshua Robertson-Elliott Year 8, and Tom Morrison Year 8. Thanks to the parents and the Year 11s who have coached and supported this team all year, and Mrs Janet Robertson, Anthony Tridgell, Yudhish Shakespeare, Anthony Lieu and Nakul Legha in particular.

Thanks also to Mr Ball and Mr Nockels who attended the grand final on Monday night to support the boys.

Also on Monday night the ACT Debating Union awarded prizes for the best speakers in their competitions. Congratulations to Joshua Robertson-Elliott who received the best speaker award for the Ford competition, and Robert Selth Year 11 who received the best speaker for the senior Douse competition.

GS1 Debating team: Joshua Robertson-Elliott, Tom Morrison, and
Miles Greenberg with 2008 School Captain Yudhish Shakespeare and Vice-Captain Anthony Tridgell.

CGS1 Debating team: Miles Greenberg, Tom Morrison and Joshua Robertson-Elliott
being presented with the Ford trophy from Jimmy Bai, Old Boy ('06), and organiser of the
ACT Debating Union's Ford Competition.

Robert Selth, recipient of the ACT Debating Union's prize for best speaker in the
Douse competition, and Joshua Robertson-Elliott, best speaker in the Ford competition.