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 The
finals of RP's first ever debate competition took
place recently at the Library, and the result was
anything but dull! Both teams had spent a grueling
week beforehand debating their way through the quater
and semi-finals before reaching this showdown.
Friends, classmates and staff came down and lend
their support to the teams. Over at the debating
tables, the atmosphere is anything but relaxed. Both
teams were doing their last round of preparation,
looking through their pieces of work, having a final
round of discussion. It’s a picture of total
contrast over at the audience side. Students were
cheering and rooting for their teams while some were
waiting in earnestness for the debate to commence.
At the stroke of twelve, the debate started off
with Kathy from the proposition giving her introduction
for her team’s proposition. The motion for
the day: This House refuses to negotiate with terrorists.
Indeed, it was a tough fight as both teams slug it
out before an attentive audience. It was an exciting
rollercoaster ride listening to both teams debating
their points with such passion and fervour. At some
point, someone from the audience interestingly noted
that it is a literal battle of the sexes, the team
of Martians vs team of Venusians.
There were light-hearted moments as well. For instance,
Team 5’s constant denial of Team 1 to rebut.
Of course, not taking it down, Team 1 resorted to
denying the other team to refute as well. 
Time really flies as the team battle it out. The
time soon came when Christopher, last speaker from
Team 1, spoke. Our panel of judges, Terence, Yien
Ping and Melissa had a tough time trying to award
the winner team. Team 1 emerged the inaugural champion
for “Rumble in the Republic” and Ariff
(SAS Student) grabbing the “Best Speaker” award.
This is a wonderful experience for the students
to finally have a hand in trying out debate. With
this competition, budding debaters are discovered
and would train under a debating coach, eventually
representing Republic Polytechnic in the Inter-Poly
Debate. We wish them all the best!
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