The debating season is in full swing, and the Mueller Debating Teams have been busily representing the college, pitting their wit and intelligence against some of the best and brightest minds from all around Brisbane. It has been an impressive beginning for many first time debaters from grade 7 through to grade 11, who have willingly sacrificed time to hone their critical thinking skills and develop their reasoning abilities. And while a natural talent for arguing may be commonly linked to debating, debating is much more than that. A good debater must have the ability to see one statement or idea from various perspectives, through critical thinking, critical listening and critical speaking.

The numerous correlations between debating and academic achievement are well documented. Reasoning, research and even public speaking skills are just some of the positives behind learning how to be a great debater. From planning your argument (even if you don’t agree with it) to choosing your words wisely, debating will help you take on whatever life chooses to throw at you.

In the complex and ever changing social landscape that young people are expected to navigate, it is essential that they are equipped to analyse competing agendas and discern underlying motives. Debate teaches these skills and many more, allowing students to research real world issues and explore ethical dilemmas in a diplomatic and rational manner. Skills that the Mueller Debate Team are committed to developing, and will prove invaluable in their future plans.

So over the next few months, your prayers and support are appreciated as the Mueller Debate Teams tackle various rounds of debate, including short preparation, where students receive only one hour to prepare a complete debate. Their hard work and sacrifice is a credit to their determination to better themselves and further their skills.

  • Year 11 Debate Team – Jordanna Smart, Luke Helm, Noah Vickery, Sophia Buccini, Megan Tomsett and Sarah Lendi
  • Year 10 Debate Team – Nikita Mathison, Tione Zylstra, Katie Davies, Bridget Smith and Leroy Christian
  • Year 9 Debate Team – Cody Williams, Lani Hollywood, Georgia Guy, Eugeenia Wen and Alyssa Houghton
  • Year 7 Debate Team – Stella Eastgate, Hudson Beckett, Joshua Sejo, Nicholas Dodd and Esther Dowd

Mrs Irene Tahere
Debating Coordinator