Debating at Columba this year has seen unprecedented achievements made by many girls throughout all year levels.

Our large and passionate club performed outstandingly in both the senior and junior divisions of the Dunedin Schools’ Debating Competition for 2017. 

After entering three teams into the senior division, two of Columba's teams broke to the semi-finals held last month - with the top Columba team proceeding as undefeated for the season. This team, made up of Lydia Christensen, Lydia Joseph and Bridget Scott, went on to win the final round against Logan Park debating the motion: This house would vote Labour. 

As well as this, four of the Top 10 Senior Speakers in Dunedin were awarded to Columba girls. This team also won QUAD this year at St Margaret’s at the start of term 3.

The junior debaters performed with equal strength, with three of Columba's five entered teams breaking to the semifinals. The team made up of Abby Bowmar, Lara Seaton and Isobel Fraser won the entire junior competition negating the motion: This house would abolish trial by jury. Our juniors demonstrated outstanding individual performances with seven girls gaining a Top 10 Speaker prize at the conclusion of the finals.

These achievements are a testament to the effort and dedication that all participating girls put into debating- furthermore they are also a result of the organisation and commitment that Ms Togneri consistently provides to the club which meets every Tuesday lunchtime.