With the aim of nurturing critical thinking, persuasive communication, and awareness of global issues, our school hosted a dynamic Inter-House Debate Competition for students from Grades 6 to 12. The competition was held in three categories, each tackling a thought-provoking contemporary topic:
Grades 6–8
Topic: Is space colonization ethical when Earth is still suffering?
Young debaters passionately presented arguments on whether humanity should invest in space exploration while pressing global challenges like poverty, climate change, and inequality remain unresolved.
- Proposition teams highlighted the inevitability of seeking new frontiers for survival and technological advancement.
- Opposition teams questioned the morality of leaving Earth’s problems behind and stressed the need to “heal before we flee.”
Grades 9–10
Topic: Is democracy failing in the modern world?
This middle segment brought depth and analysis as students tackled the complex state of global democracies.
- Proposition speakers pointed to increasing authoritarianism, misinformation, and voter apathy as signs of decline.
- Opposition debaters defended democracy’s resilience and evolving nature, citing youth activism, civic engagement, and institutional reforms.
Grades 11–12
Topic: Should countries have the right to censor foreign media?
This senior category was marked by intellectual rigour and nuanced perspectives.
- Proponents argued for cultural preservation, national security, and combating misinformation.
- Opponents warned of the dangers of overreach, propaganda, and suppression of truth in the name of censorship.
The panel of judges praised the students for their preparation, clarity of thought, effective use of evidence, and respectful engagement. They noted how students were able to take complex topics and break them down with maturity and conviction. The competition concluded with applause, reflection, and a renewed spirit of inquiry among students.