Debating Overview
The School takes part in several debating competitions.
The ISDA (Independent Schools Debating Association) and Eastside (schools located in the eastern suburbs) competitions in Terms I and II, and GPS (Great Public Schools) competition in Term III.
Debating is available to boys in all Forms and training sessions take place after school (Tuesdays for Forms I-III, Wednesdays for Forms IV-VI).
AWAY DEBATES
There will be buses arranged for all away debates. There will be NO return buses. Note that the buses depart to arrive in time for the Year 7-9 topic distribution, so boys need to come prepared to keep busy in the interim time.
HOME DEBATES
On debating nights, parking is available at the nearby Riley Street Parking Station, or in the Middle Playground when this is announced.
Eastside Debating Competition
The Eastside Debating Competition involves schools from Sydney’s Eastern suburbs in Terms I and II.
Boys should check debating times with their coaches. Venues for semi-final rounds and the grand final round will be communicated when available.
EASTSIDE DEBATING FIXTURES
GPS Debating Competition
The Great Public Schools Competition runs in Term III. Trials are held at the end of Term II.
Years 7, 8, and 9 teams debate at 6:15pm following 45 minutes preparation. Years 10, Thirds, Seconds and Firsts teams debate at 7:15pm following 1 hour preparation.
| Year 7 | 3–4 minutes | Year 10 | 5–7 minutes |
| Year 8 | 3–4 minutes | 1st-3rd | 5–7 minutes |
| Year 9 | 4–5 minutes |
Further information about the competition may be found on the GPS debating website.
GPS DEBATING FIXTURES
Independent Schools Debating Association (ISDA) Competition
The Independent Schools Debating Association (ISDA) competition involves thirty-two schools divided into four zones.
Running in Terms I and II, a set of seven preliminary rounds is followed by an Octos-final, a Quarter-final and a Semi-Final round. The competition concludes with a Grand Final round.
Boys should check debating times with their coaches. Venues for semi-final rounds and the grand final round will be communicated when available.
| Year Group | Speaking Times | Preparation Time | Debate Commences |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-6 | 2-4 minutes | 60 minutes | 6:00pm |
| 7-8 | 3-5 minutes | 45 minutes | 6:45pm |
| 9 | 4-6 minutes | 45 minutes | 6:45pm |
| 10 | 4-6 minutes | 45 minutes | 7:45pm |
| 11-12 | 5-7 minutes | 45 minutes | 7:45pm |
Further information about the competition may be found at the ISDA website.
ISDA DEBATING FIXTURES
Social Debating
An internal debating competition is run on Tuesday and Friday after school for interested boys in Forms I and II.
Debating Colours
Colours and other awards are given to participants in Debating according to the criteria set out below.
Colours with Honour Badge
- for membership of the NSW team; or
- for membership of a GPS representative team; or
- for membership of the premiership-winning Grammar ISDA Senior A team; or
- for membership of the premiership-winning Grammar GPS First team.
Colours with Merit
- for membership of the Grammar ISDA Senior A team for 2 years (subject to a very high standard of performance as well as displaying a strong commitment to Debating); or
- for membership of the Grammar GPS First team for 2 years (subject to a very high standard of performance as well as displaying a strong commitment to Debating).
Colours
- for membership of the Grammar ISDA Senior A team; or
- for membership of the Grammar GPS First team.
Half Colours with Merit
- for membership of a premiership-winning Grammar ISDA Senior B team; or
- for membership of a premiership-winning Grammar GPS Second team; or
- for membership of the Grammar ISDA Senior B team for 2 years (subject to a very high standard of performance as well as displaying a strong commitment to Debating); or
- for membership of the Grammar GPS Second team for 2 years (subject to a very high standard of performance as well as displaying a strong commitment to Debating).
Half Colours
- for membership of the Grammar ISDA Senior B team; or
- for membership of the Grammar GPS Second team.
Debating Pennant
- for membership of the Eastside Year 11 or Year 12 team; or
- for membership of a Grammar Third team; or
- for membership of a Grammar Fourth team and membership of an Eastside Year 11 or 12 team; or
- for membership of the premiership-winning Grammar Year 10 ISDA teams; or
- for membership of the premiership-winning Grammar Year 10 GPS team.
The Headmaster makes the final determination and reserves the right to grant or withhold awards on exceptional grounds as he sees fit regardless of the published criteria which may also be altered at any time without notice.
Recommendations for awards are made by a Colours Committee of three experienced masters, chaired by the Deputy Headmaster (Co-curricular). Nominations are made to the Committee by the Staff in charge of Debating.
Colours are awarded in Term III.