Debating

As a member of both the Queensland Debating Union (QDU) and the Brisbane Girls Debating Association (BGDA), we provide students with opportunities to participate in a range of competitive debating formats.

The BGDA competition is an all-girls competition featuring short-preparation debates, while the QDU competition is open to students from Years 5–12 and includes a combination of long-preparation and short-preparation debates. Through these experiences, students engage with contemporary issues and develop their ability to think critically, communicate persuasively and respond confidently under pressure.

Through debating and its intellectual exchange, students develop skills in critical thinking, problem solving, public speaking and confidence.

We are regarded as a prominent challenger in debating, with an excellent record of Finals qualifying teams and students regularly ranking among the top debaters in State trials. Our debating teams are supported and coached by experienced internal and external staff, with a number of past students also providing mentoring.

St Rita’s College offers a contemporary Speech and Communication program as part of its extensive co-curricular Arts offerings. Delivered through private and small group classes, the program supports students in developing clear, confident and effective communication skills. Whether students are refining their presentation techniques or building confidence to speak in front of peers, the program helps nurture self-assurance, clarity, articulation and the ability to engage thoughtfully in discussion. These skills not only enhance academic performance but also empower students to express themselves with poise in a variety of personal, professional and public settings.