Mastering the Art of Argument: The Debate team takes on the Regional Championship

It was a bright and chilly day on January 25 when the Brentwood Debate team travelled to GNS (Glenlyon Norfolk School) in Victoria to compete in the Vancouver Island Regional Championships. This is a highly competitive tournament where top debaters across the Island compete, hoping to be granted a spot at the Provincial Championships, hosted this year, by Brentwood. 

Brentwood fielded nine teams, with eight participating in the senior category and one in the junior. Members included Grace S, Alex ‘25, Kennedy P, Hope ‘25, Yash D, Whittall ‘25, Hamish G, Rogers ‘25, Sebastian M, Ellis ‘27, Jayden R, Rogers ‘27, Nick K, Ellis ‘27, Max C, Ellis ‘26, Nardia F, Mack ‘25, Juliana V, Mack ‘27, Ambrose W, Whittall ‘26, Logan TD, Whittall ‘26, Bowen C, Privett ‘27, Aisling M, Allard ‘26, Emi O, Hope, ‘28 and Agustin P, Whittall ‘28. 

The day featured two prepared debates in Cross-Examination style – with the prompt “This house as Canada would immediately cease oil production” – and two impromptu rounds in Canadian National Format. After a long day of debating, the results were announced and we are proud to report that five teams qualified for the Provincial Championships: Grace & Kennedy, Yash & Hamish, Sebastian & Jayden, Nick & Max C, and Emi & Agustin. Special shoutout to Emi O, a first-time debater for placing 5th in the junior category. What an accomplishment!

The Brentwood community members, including alumni and staff, joined the event both digitally and in person. A huge thank you to alumnus Sebastian EG, Whittall ‘24, for moderating and for his unwavering support for the Debate program. Major appreciation as well to Mr Watts, Ms Bashizi, and Mr Deline, parent Gerry Parapin and students Emma N, Mack ‘26, Miyabi S, Hope ‘27 and Toni O, Hope ‘25 for moderating. 

Ms Curtis, Head of Debate stated “The students put in the time which clearly paid off, with so many teams qualifying to the next round, but I am mostly just proud of all of them putting themselves out there and giving it their all”. 

Congratulations and well done to the Debate team for their grit at the Island Regional Championships. Your dedication and hard work do not go unnoticed. On behalf of Brentwood, we look forward to watching you compete in the Provincial Championships at home. 

Ella W, Mack ‘25