Part of Fuhua Secondary's English Language, Drama & Debate Society (ELDDS) CCA, the debate team argued and cajoled their way into the quarter-finals of the 2009 Julia Gabriel Singapore Secondary Schools Debate Competition. This was no mean feat as the team was formed just a few months earlier in time to take part in the heats in February!

Telling it their way

For their effort, the team received medals and certificates. But they confess themselves far happier with the chance to hone their skills against other top debaters. Thanks to their intensive preparations for the competition, critical thinking and an irrepressible urge to play the devil's advocate are now second nature, as the students constantly strive to examine issues from various angles and think of new rebuttals to opposing arguments.

The debaters use mind-mapping to chart a local and cohesive argument.

"I've always had a strong inclination to stand up for what I believe in," states Wei Qiang, who started out by discussing controversial topics that arose in his Civics and Moral Education classes. "I think debating has given me the confidence and ability to present my views in a passionate, convincing and sophisticated manner." Wei Qiang was named one of the Top 20 Speakers in the Julia Gabriel debate competition, out of more than 100 debaters.

Both Jeslyn and Felicia have been with the ELDDS since they were in Sec 1. Relishing the heat of debates as an "adrenaline rush", Felicia has become a sharp and fast thinker as she has "to see things from different perspectives and categorise arguments as the debate progresses".

Jeslyn scored a place in the debate team with a persuasive, one-minute audition motion entitled, "This house believes that Barney should be made compulsory in schools". As a "reply speaker", she does not have a fixed team position. "I am always shifted around depending on whether we are the proposition or opposition."

Jeslyn and Felicia discuss the finer points for their debate motion while Wei Qiang maps out the flow of the argument.

The ability to think clearly and concisely is thus vital as Jeslyn has to provide a summary of the other team's arguments before presenting her own. The experience has made her a more confident speaker. "In debating, we often discuss sensitive topics so if such topics are ever raised in class, I am able to discuss them calmly and with an open mind."

You might not believe it, but when he was selected for the team early this year, Brendan had no prior debating experience. "Debating has helped me in many ways," he notes, "I can now speak confidently and communicate very well. I also have more confidence in myself."

"No two debates are the same; every debate requires much preparation and research," adds Brendan. "This allows me to gain more knowledge and at the same time, cultivate close bonds with my team mates. I am very passionate about debating and have never missed a debating practice without a valid reason."

Discussing future strategies with their teachers, Miss Joyce Lim and Mrs Regine Lim.

Dedication and determination

The team's commitment to their craft is attested to by their teachers-in-charge, Miss Joyce Lim and Mrs Regine Lim. "The students were always punctual for practice," says Miss Lim of their positive attitude.

Despite juggling a hectic schedule of schoolwork, tests and exams, the debaters set aside three days a week for debate practice. "This must be difficult for teenagers, but they never complained," remarks Miss Lim. "They also spent several Saturdays honing their skills in friendly debates with other schools."

In the process, the young debaters have picked up skills that will last them a lifetime. "They've learnt to put others before self, and gained greater resilience," states Miss Lim. "The lead-up to the competition was very tough and they had to grapple with time management and the need to relate to others while under intense pressure."

"The students are very unassuming and keen to learn," adds Mrs Lim. "They are not disheartened by failures. I think the whole experience has helped them deal with people, cope with difficult situations and learn to adapt to challenges."