The 2026 Debating SA season brought together over fifteen hundred students from schools across South Australia for another wonderful year of thoughtful arguments, spirited competition and outstanding public speaking.
Throughout the season, students demonstrated confidence, creativity and a willingness to engage with challenging ideas. From those taking their first steps in debating to our most experienced Senior competitors, we were delighted to see students developing their ability to think critically, communicate persuasively and respond respectfully to different perspectives.
We congratulate all participating students on their efforts and achievements, particularly those who progressed to the Finals and Grand Finals. Our thanks also go to the teachers, coaches, adjudicators, families and volunteers whose dedication makes the competition possible.
The 2026 Grand Finals were held in The House of Assembly Chamber, Parliament House on Saturday 17 October 2026. This was a wonderful event that showcased and celebrated the talents of the top South Australian debating teams.
Year 6 Division Grand Final
Winner: Emmaus Christian College Green 6
Coach: Mrs Rebecca D’ Lima and Mr Richard Heath
Joanna Derias, David Xie, Elspeth Reilly, Daniela Arenas, Abigail Pettinato and Jonathan Mathew
Runner Up: Belair Primary School Blue 6
Coach: Mrs Ali Farmer
Ted Koop-Brown, Grace De Nichilo, Elsie Deller-Coombs, Matilda Brown and Raphael Beumer
Year 7 Division Grand Final
Winner: Emmaus Christian College Orange 7
Coach: Ms Grace Henderson and Mr Caleb Zybek
Tanisha Ncube-Kagwa, Titilayo Giwa, Isabelle Kenny and Abigail Kirkwood
Runner Up: St Aloysius College Lilac 7
Coach: Mrs Alex Kirkham and Ms Chelsey Webb
Isla Hambling, Clarisse Choo, Norah Lewis, Edytka Taneja and Isabelle Andrade
Year 8 Division Grand Final
Winner: Glenunga International High School Red 8
Coach: Miss Abitha Jose
Emily Chen, Justine Chen, Melissa Sarah Maju, Jeeyoo (Emily) Park, Daoyuan (Yuan) Tang and Shuyu Wang
Runner Up: Mercedes College Blue 8
Coaches: Mr Emmanuel Sagres and Mr Jacqui McCann
Ian Barreto, Xavier Williams, Jonathon Hoadley and Nick
Year 9 Division Grand Final
Winner: St Michael’s College Green 9
Coach: Mr Gabriel Soriano and Ms Deb Smith
Sophia Chang, Giorgia Guidi, Ava Izzo and Martina Cavallo
Runner Up: Emmaus Christian College Gold 9
Coach: Mr Caleb Zybek and Mr David Chu
Liya Gan, Cara Miller, Mia Fontanarosa and Diana Li
Year 10 Division Grand Final
Winner: St Columba College Pink 10
Coach: Miss Paulina Rosa and Miss Oliwia Derda
Athok Deng, Awel Malou, Bor Akoy, Jolie Hakizimana and Gael Dushime
Runner Up: Concordia College Blue 10
Coach: Mr Angus Moffatt and Ms Juliana Lanzilli
Amelia Murfitt, Ilsa Whittall, Lilah Harris and Nevada Maio
Senior Division Grand Final
Winner: Pedare Christian College Green S
Coach: Ms Sue Tula
Riley Lorenz, Ojus Thakur, Owen Hobson and Thomas Palmer
Runner Up: Endeavour College Yellow S
Coach: Mr Jarrod French
Thinara Hatangala, Elna Mary Sunu, Gjevika Poongavanam and Lucy Schmidt
Debater of the Year Winners
Year 5
Matilda Atkinson
Belair Primary School
Year 6
Raphael Beumer
Belair Primary School
Year 7
Anaya Vashishtha
Nazareth Catholic College
Year 8
Melissa Majo
Glenunga International High School
Year 9
Sarah Wan
St Aloysius College
Year 10
Ilsa Whittall
Concordia College
Senior
Phoebe Eaton
Emmaus Christian College