Strength in Argument

If Wenona Debating Captain Amelie (Year 12) ever faced the underestimated but savvy Elle Woods from Legally Blond, we’d all be reaching for our popcorn. “If I could choose anyone to compete against, it would be her," Amelie said. "It would be fun and challenging ─ and on theme with Wenona's 2025 Senior School Musical!"

In her role as Captain, Amelie was instrumental in organising last weekend’s annual Debating Camp. She helped plan the costume competition, musical chairs, a riff-off, and movie screening on the first night ─ activities that, like Elle, might have seemed fun and fluffy but belied the intellectual rigour to come.

"The games night was my favourite part because it provided an opportunity to bring debaters from different year groups together, fostering an inclusive atmosphere and building connections," Amelie said, embodying the Wenona Value of Kindness through her focus on community-building.

The more serious elements of the Camp schedule focused on skills such as case construction. The students investigated current societal and political issues and applied their knowledge to practice topics ─ essential understanding for well-rounded debaters who can think critically and present arguments effectively.

Some trickier topics included, 'That we should televise court hearings'. "As my side was debating from the affirmative, it challenged me to come up with arguments for a perspective I didn't necessarily agree with and to communicate these in a compelling manner," Amelie explained.

"I felt that everyone really came together as a team, which made it such a valuable experience for all debaters. I also improved my own ability to speak with fewer notes and develop my impromptu skills through the shortened prep times for practice debates.”

The Year 8 students particularly impressed at their first Debating Camp. "They all brought so much energy and enthusiasm to their workshops and activities, which was great to see!" Amelie said, acknowledging the Wenona Value of Courage shown by these younger girls as they stepped up to debate with the older students.

Looking ahead to upcoming competitions, the Camp has helped build confidence in speaking and the ability to debate in a structured, refined manner ─ skills that would surely impress even Elle Woods herself, and that exemplify the Values of Courage, Strength, Grace, Wisdom, and Kindness that are hallmarks of a Wenona education.