Korowa's Debating Program continues to grow each year thanks to Paul Stewart's dedication and passion. Our students have developed a strong love for the extra-curricular program. Beyond just mastering the art of argument, students gain confidence, sharpen their critical thinking skills, and forge lasting friendships through this program. To explore our debating culture further, we interviewed Debating Captain Alice, Head of Debating Paul Stewart, and Jenna, Year 11, and Abby, Year 7, students that both joined Debating this year.
Alice (Year 12) - Debating Captain:
What has skill have you seen a growth in since joining Korowa's Debating Program?Since I’ve gotten passionate about debating and learned how to speak comfortably in front of people, my confidence has grown hugely. Debating has taught me how to stick up for myself and use my voice. Plus, arguing things from every different side has really helped me get a sense of perspective and an understanding for different opinions.How do you think Debating has expanded your leadership capabilities?Working closely in tense situations with so many different people has made me a much better team player, which is a huge part of leadership to me. Just like when you “pass something down the bench” in debating (i.e. pass a rebuttal you think of to another speaker on your team instead of saying it yourself), leadership is about getting the best result for a group as a whole and giving others the chance to shine. Do you see yourself using your debating skills outside of school?The skills you learn in debating are absolutely transferrable to any situation, whether that be in future employment or socially in relationships. Self-expression and communication are so important to every part of life. Also, even though debating is a lot about arguing, it’s also about learning to see different perspectives. It really helps you to think critically about your own opinions and find understanding with others even when you disagree. What is so special about Korowa's Debating Program?One thing that makes debating at Korowa so special is how interconnected we are. It’s a joy to see older students giving up their time to coach, adjudicate and help out younger students. I think our community is really lovely, and our energy and excitement at debating events is infectious. There’s a real culture of trying your best but also having fun and supporting each other through it all.
Paul Stewart - Head of Debating and Public Speaking:
What makes a successful debating program?The most obvious answer is winning, but in a field where the margins are so small, where matches that come down to a single point and competitions abruptly end after a single defeat, victory is not always the most accurate metric of success. For me, seeing an anxious student develop and do so in a happy, supportive context is one of the best indicators of success.How do you ensure there is a diverse range of topics that challenge students and encourage broad thinking?I am a member of the DAV advisory board, so I have a small say in the topics that are created for the debates. Fortunately, advances in technology and a constantly changing social dynamic involving teenagers provides us with fertile ground for issues and controversies worth exploring in the forum of school debates.How do you encourage students to join, especially if they find it intimidating?Much like a classroom, it’s a mixture of ensuring that things don’t get overwhelming, and ensuring that a pervasive sense of fun is readily available. Students can join teams and take part in the process long before they step up from the bench to speak. Having friends in close proximity does much to allay fears. The girls unreservedly support each other in their teams and this makes a world of difference.What are some important skills that students develop and how do they use that once they leave school?Learning to speak confidently in public is something that will reward our students many times over. As young women entering a competitive workforce demanding authenticity, agility and versatility, I can think of no better preparation than taking part in school debating. Add to that the research skills, organisational requirements and team dynamic, and debating really is the whole package when it comes to getting students ready for what lies beyond Korowa’s gates.
Jenna (Year 11) - Joined Debating 2025:
What motivated you to join Korowa's Debating Program? How did you feel about debating before you joined, and how has that perception changed since?Before I joined, I thought debating was only for people who were really smart, and I didn’t think I was good enough to be apart in it. I felt nervous and unsure if I’d fit in. But I joined because I wanted to challenge myself so I could grow in confidence, think more clearly, and learn how to express myself under pressure. Since then, my view of it has completely changed. Debating isn’t about being the loudest or smartest, it’s about listening carefully, thinking critically, and working as a team. What has been the most challenging aspect or a moment from Debating that you have learned from?One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced so far is managing nerves when speaking in front of an audience. But every time I’ve done it, I’ve learned how capable I actually am, even when I feel unsure. What is something that has surprised you about debating since you have joined? Has this surprise changed the way you approach the sport or how you view it now?What’s surprised me most is how fun debating can be. I thought it would be super formal and intense all the time, but instead I’ve found supportive teammates, laughter, and a place where all different ideas are valued. That surprise has helped me with each debate having excitement rather than fear. With your brief experience in Korowa's Debating Program, how would you encourage students to join?To anyone thinking about joining, even if you’re unsure, I’d say go for it. You don’t need to be perfect or know everything. Debating helps you grow in ways you don’t expect, and every person brings something unique to a team.
Abby (Year 7) - Joined Debating 2025:
What motivated you to join? How did you feel about debating before you joined, and how has that perception changed since?What motivated me to join was the wide range of opportunities debating can offer. While it not only boosts your confidence in public speaking but is a wonderful academic experience that sharpens your critical thinking. Debating provides the chance for you to enhance your ability to draw logical conclusions and sound judgments. To begin with, I wasn’t a great public speaker and the thought of having to debate in front of many people backed me up into a corner. The constant fear of judgment. That’s when I realised that debating is all about stepping outside of your comfort zone. Debating is about growth: taking risks, challenging your own thinking, and embracing discomfort as part of the process. With every round, I felt myself becoming more articulate, more confident and more resilient—not just in speeches, but in life. What has been the most challenging aspect or a moment from Debating that you have learned from?Looking back, the hardest part of debating hasn’t been the arguments, it’s been dealing with the unexpected in the moment. Like times when you blank out or stumbled through out your speech or when you have all your rebuttals prepared but suddenly forget them on the spot. Sometimes it could be as simple as having a team disagreement on different opinions a topic. All in all, that’s what makes the experience authentic and real and why debating is called ‘debating’. What is something that has surprised you about debating since you have joined? Has this surprise changed the way you approach the sport or how you view it now?Something that really surprised me about debating is how much of it depends on teamwork, not just individual speaking skills. I didn’t expect debating to boost my confidence so much, even outside of debates. Speaking up in class feels way less scary now. I used to think debating was just arguing really well, but I’ve learned it’s more like a chess game with words, and that really changed how I prepare. What surprised me most is how debating teaches you to see both sides, even when you don’t agree. It forces you to step into someone else’s shoes. With your brief experience in Debating, how would you encourage students to join?If you’re someone who fears of public speaking or doesn’t feel too confident in it, debating would be the perfect opportunity to improve even further. Public speaking can quickly turn from a fear into a hobby, just like the way I experienced. Debating allows you to engage on current issues, debate on captivating topics, and express your opinion on topics you feel truly passionate about. Without a doubt, I’d strongly recommend taking up debating for students who are looking to boost their confidence, sharpen their thinking and find their voice in a world that needs more bold ideas.
