Debaters Association of Victoria Competition
Mac.Rob has had a very successful year in debating and public speaking, participating in the Debaters Association of Victoria competition, in the South Yarra region. During debating, students across Victoria have prepared speeches on a variety of topics – on a side they did not necessarily agree with – to focus on logically formulating an argument, discrediting opposing arguments, and creating a case collaboratively with their team. MacRob has had a number of wonderful achievements, including having two teams make it to the quarter finals of the state, as well as having our A Grade Online team be crowned state champions of the online division!
On an individual level, we also had a number of students receive Swannie awards! The Swannie Awards are awarded by the Debating Association of Victoria, to the speaker in each region and grade who has the highest average speaker score after completing at least three debates during the year. The Swannie Awards are named after Alan Swanwick, a long-time member of the DAV and a pioneer of debating in Victoria. “Swannies” are awarded to the speaker in each region and grade who has the highest average speaker score after completing at least two debates during the year. The average is calculated solely on speaker scores, and is not affected by the best speaker awards that are announced at the end of each debate.
Mac.Rob students received the Swannie in 3 out of a possible 4 divisions, an amazing achievement for these students as well as the school! Congratulations to Year 12 student, Ananaya M, for receiving the A Grade Swannie; Year 10 student, Dishika G, for receiving the C Grade Swannie; and Year 9 student, Sakina K, for receiving the D Grade Swannie. We are immensely proud of how you represented the school, and your commitment to the art of debating!
Genevieve Purcell, Debating Supervisor