National Schools Debating Championships

Each year, the very best student debaters from each State and Territory compete in the National Schools Debating Championships. 

This year Darwin High School Year 11 student Trudy Francis was selected for the Northern Territory team, alongside three other student debaters and two reserves. The students trained in Darwin with the support of some DHS alumni and experienced NSDC debaters, Harvie Stiller and Lang Williamson, and DHS teacher Phoebe Allen.

After an online competition last year, all teams felt privileged to have the opportunity to gather in Hobart, Tasmania at the end of May to compete in the Championships. While the climate took some adjusting to and chilly debate prep rooms a constant challenge, Trudy and the team performed outstandingly, demonstrating their broad matter knowledge, clever argument development and engaging speaking manner.

The team improved in every debate, and won their debates against the ACT and Victoria (who ultimately won the competition). Well done Trudy and the NT team!

Any students interested in participating in Semester 2 Debating Club and developing the skills to become excellent debaters like Trudy should speak to their English teacher!