Raffles Debaters
Description
Set up in 1886, the Raffles Debaters is the oldest CCA in RI. Besides the competition achievements (indeed, we have won the Julia Gabriel’s debating championships 5 times in the last 10 years), the Raffles Debaters also hopes to equip members not only with excellent oratorical skills but also a passion for knowledge, and the tools for critical analysis and lateral thought.
We hold the quintessence of debate to be persuasive intellectual discourse – the exchange of theses and antitheses from all realms of society, through which a synthesis is developed, in search of the best possible solutions for the problems of today, ultimately furthering the welfare of society. We trust that our debaters recognize their stake and their duty in larger society, and armed with the powers of thought and persuasion, debate for and advocate the betterment of society.
The Raffles Debaters has produced thinkers and speakers of the highest order. Amongst our alumni of debate members, we have produced many Angus Ross (GCE ‘A’ level award to the best Literature essay in the ‘A’ level examinations world wide) prize winners, like Aaron Maniam (1997), Li Sheng Wu (2006) and Liew Shang Zhao (2007).
The club will strive to nurture each and every debater to his fullest potential, and continue to maintain our track record of achievement.
In the spirit of contributing back to the community, and in the interest of infecting young minds with a love for the raw satisfaction and intellectual challenge of debating, the Raffles Debaters also organises a yearly Primary School Debate Invitational competition for Primary 5 students, together with a 2-day debating workshop to prepare the students for the competition. 16 schools participated in this competition this year. In addition, we provide coaching services on a regular basis to 14 primary schools (as of march 2008), as part of our CIP.
We hold the quintessence of debate to be persuasive intellectual discourse – the exchange of theses and antitheses from all realms of society, through which a synthesis is developed, in search of the best possible solutions for the problems of today, ultimately furthering the welfare of society. We trust that our debaters recognize their stake and their duty in larger society, and armed with the powers of thought and persuasion, debate for and advocate the betterment of society.
The Raffles Debaters has produced thinkers and speakers of the highest order. Amongst our alumni of debate members, we have produced many Angus Ross (GCE ‘A’ level award to the best Literature essay in the ‘A’ level examinations world wide) prize winners, like Aaron Maniam (1997), Li Sheng Wu (2006) and Liew Shang Zhao (2007).
The club will strive to nurture each and every debater to his fullest potential, and continue to maintain our track record of achievement.
In the spirit of contributing back to the community, and in the interest of infecting young minds with a love for the raw satisfaction and intellectual challenge of debating, the Raffles Debaters also organises a yearly Primary School Debate Invitational competition for Primary 5 students, together with a 2-day debating workshop to prepare the students for the competition. 16 schools participated in this competition this year. In addition, we provide coaching services on a regular basis to 14 primary schools (as of march 2008), as part of our CIP.
Achievements
Achievements This Year
| Achievement | Description |
|---|---|
| NUS Challenge Shield | 1st |
| Julia Gabriel's Debating Championship | 1st |
Recent Achievements
| Year | Achievement | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Julia Gabriel's Debating Championship | 4th |
| 2007 | RJC Under-14s | 1st |
| 2007 | Temasek JC Invitationals | Semi-finalist |
| 2007 | Serangoon JC Invitationals | Quarter-finalist |
| 2007 | Victor Junior College Invitationals | 1st |
| 2007 | NUS Challenge Shield | 2nd |
| 2006 | Julia Gabriel's Debating Championship | Quarter-finalist |
| 2006 | RJC Under-14s | Quarter-finalist |
| 2006 | NUS Challenge Shield | 2nd |
| 2006 | Serangoon JC Invitationals | 2nd |
| 2006 | Mayor's Challenge Shield | 2nd |
| 2006 | Victor Junior College Invitationals | 1st |
| 2006 | Hwa Chong JC Invitationals | 1st |
| 2005 | Julia Gabriel's Debating Championship | 2nd |
| 2005 | Victor Junior College Invitationals | 1st |
| 2005 | NUS Challenge Shield | 1st |
| 2005 | Hwa Chong JC Invitationals | 1st |
| 2005 | Mayor's Challenge Shield | 1st |
Teachers-in-Charge
| Name | Role | |
|---|---|---|
| Mrs. Rosie Smith | Teacher-in-charge | rosie@ri.sch.edu.sg |
| Mrs. Neoh Terh Ling | Teacher-in-charge | terhling@ri.sch.edu.sg |
Students Committee
| Name | Role | |
|---|---|---|
| Nigel Fong | Chairman | nigelfong@gmail.com |
| Matthias Chia | Vice-Chairman | mchia8@hotmail.com |
| Ashish Kumar | Secretary | xiangyik@aim.com |
| Teoh Ren Jie | Exco member | teohrenjie@gmail.com |
| Nicholas Quah | Exco member | nick12321@gmail.com |
External Partners
| Type | Name |
|---|---|
| Coach | Mr. Aidan Marc Wong |
| Coach | Ms. Michelle Chang |
Practice Schedule
| Day | Start | End |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesdays, Thursdays (Prep and Spars) | 5.30pm | 7.30pm |
| Fridays (Content Training) | 2pm | 3.30pm |