Debating

Debating is a method of interactive and representational argument. Argument is framed through logical consistency, factual accuracy and some degree of emotional appeal, with one side prevailing over the other by presenting a superior, more compelling context and/or framework of the issue.

In a formal Debating contest, there are rules for people to discuss and decide on differences, within a framework.  The major goal of debate as a method or art is to develop one's ability to argue from either position with equal ease.

Debating has become one of the foremost identifiers of Gregory Terrace, with the school excelling in both the GPS and QDU competitions, in which it concurrently competes, as well as consistently attracting very large participation rates and interest from students.

In both GPS and QDU competitions, two teams debate a topic. Each team has three members, each of whom is named according to their team and speaking position within his/her team. Each of the speakers' positions is based around a specific role. Each of the six speakers (three affirmative and three negative) speak in succession to each other beginning with the Affirmative Team. The speaking order is as follows: First Affirmative, First Negative, Second Affirmative, Second Negative, Third Affirmative, and finally Third Negative. All are required to speak within a set length of time.

Terrace has performed outstandingly well in Debating in recent years – at one stage winning the QDU competition for six consecutive years.  But far from being defined exclusively by its success, Debating has assumed a place of great affinity at the College due to its tendency to express some of the quintessential qualities of the Terrace Gentleman: a spirit of enquiry and argument, a diligence to learn and discover, a confidence to express in speech and personality (with a sense of humour) and a worldliness to be open minded to new ideas and points of view.

Debating is both a challenging and immensely fun pursuit, that has the capacity to impart great skills in the area of speech, public presentation, enquiry and learning of new subject matter and intellectual stimulation that can greatly benefit students both in the classroom and in their general development and everyday lives.

Terrace has produced some marvelous debaters who have gone on to represent at state and national level and many high achievers have passed through our debating program, including several of our Rhodes Scholars.