第21回佐賀県高等学校英語ディベート大会が行われ、本校より1年生4人、2年生4人で編成された2チームが出場しました。
　佐賀県内から7校、12チームが出場した本大会では、「日本政府は輸入米の関税を撤廃すべきである。是が非か。」という、日本語で考えても難しい論題に対して肯定・否定の両面で事前に情報を収集した上で英語で意見を構築し、チーム内で発表の役割分担をして臨みました。
　試合はリアルタイムで相手の主張の矛盾点や根拠に乏しい点を指摘しつつ、自分達の主張をブレない根拠をもって貫くという、個々の英語力だけでなく、チームワーク、情報をまとめる臨機応変さ、コミュニケーション力が求められる、白熱したものでした。
　予選では各チーム2戦行い、本校のチームは1年生が1勝1敗でしたが、2年生は全勝して決勝トーナメントに進みました。その後、準決勝で惜しくも敗れたものの、第3位にあたる、高等学校教育研究会英語部会長賞を受賞しました。
　日々の勉学や定期考査、学校行事などで満足に練習できる環境ではなかった中で、生徒達は工夫して情報を集めてチームの意見を構築し、大健闘しました。

  Two teams from Waseda Saga, consisting of four first-year and four second-year high school students, competed in the 21st Saga Prefectural High School English Debate Tournament.

  The tournament brought together 12 teams from seven high schools across Saga Prefecture to debate the motion: “The Japanese government should abolish tariffs on imported rice.” It was a challenging topic even in Japanese, let alone English! To prepare, students researched both sides of the issue, developed arguments for and against the motion, and divided speaking roles among their teammates.

  The debates were intense, requiring much more than just English proficiency. Students had to think on their feet, identify weaknesses and inconsistencies in their opponents’ arguments, and defend their own positions with clear reasoning and solid evidence. Teamwork, quick thinking, and effective communication were all essential to success.

  In the preliminary rounds, each team competed in two debates. Our first-year team finished with one win and one loss, while the second-year team won both of its matches and advanced to the knockout stage. Although the second-year team narrowly lost in the semifinals, they earned the English Education Division Chairperson’s Award, equivalent to third place overall!

  Preparing for the tournament was no easy task. With regular classes, exams, and school events keeping their schedules full, students had limited time to practice together. Nevertheless, they found creative ways to research the topic, organize their ideas, and build strong arguments as a team.

  We are incredibly proud of both teams for their hard work, determination, and impressive performances. Congratulations to everyone involved!