DAV Debating

Swannie Awards:

In both the A (Year 12) and D (Year 9) grades, Scotch boys were awarded the Competition Swannie Awards. 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 three debates during the year. The Competition Swannies mean that these boys were the highest-performing speakers at their respectve grade levels in the entire state.

A team in the semi-finals:

After a superb victory at the Quarter Final of the Debating Association of Victoria competition at Lauriston last term, our A2 boys progressed to the Semi Final at Trinity Grammar School. Arguing the affirmative case on a topic proposing public election of the ABC’s Board of Directors, our Year 12 boys fought valiantly, exhibiting impressive general knowledge in their detailed and nuanced understanding of the recent turbulence surrounding Guthrie, Milne and the ABC’s Emma Alberici and Andrew Probyn. Sadly though they were defeated, in a close debate with a split decision, by St Leonard’s College 1.