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.

Achievements/Involvements

Achievements/Involvements This Year

AchievementDescription
NUS Challenge Shield1st
Julia Gabriel's Debating Championship1st

Summary of Achievements/Involvements

YearAchievementDescription
2005NUS Challenge Shield1st
2005Mayor's Challenge Shield1st
2005Hwa Chong JC Invitationals1st
2005Victor Junior College Invitationals1st
2005Julia Gabriel's Debating Championship2nd
2006NUS Challenge Shield2nd
2006Julia Gabriel's Debating ChampionshipQuarter-finalist
2006RJC Under-14sQuarter-finalist
2006Mayor's Challenge Shield2nd
2006Serangoon JC Invitationals2nd
2006Hwa Chong JC Invitationals1st
2006Victor Junior College Invitationals1st
2007NUS Challenge Shield2nd
2007Victor Junior College Invitationals1st
2007Temasek JC InvitationalsSemi-finalist
2007Julia Gabriel's Debating Championship4th
2007RJC Under-14s1st
2007Serangoon JC InvitationalsQuarter-finalist

Teachers-in-Charge

NameRoleEmail
Mrs. Rosie SmithTeacher-in-chargerosie@ri.sch.edu.sg
Mrs. Neoh Terh LingTeacher-in-chargeterhling@ri.sch.edu.sg

Students Committee

NameRoleEmail
Nigel FongChairmannigelfong@gmail.com
Matthias ChiaVice-Chairmanmchia8@hotmail.com
Ashish KumarSecretaryxiangyik@aim.com
Teoh Ren JieExco memberteohrenjie@gmail.com
Nicholas QuahExco membernick12321@gmail.com

External Partners

TypeName
CoachMr. Aidan Marc Wong
CoachMs. Michelle Chang

Practice Schedule

DayStartEnd
Tuesdays, Thursdays (Prep and Spars)5.30pm7.30pm
Fridays (Content Training)2pm3.30pm