ETHOS • FALL 2021
use knowledge to reflect on their own values and beliefs. When engaging with topics such as immigration, human rights, and economic inequality, students are forced out of their ideological comfort zones and are one step closer to becoming conscious global citizens. Adding to the development of productive dialogue, Group Discussion helps students develop elaborate discussion skills, which are indispensable for identifying problems and finding solutions to challenges in the world today. Each year’s topic is comprehensively researched and analyzed in different contexts before being brought to a round table for discussion. With this year’s topic being Artificial Intelligence it didn’t come as a surprise that the ACS Athens GD team, led by Ms. Stavi Dimas, was recognized in its entirety at the Finals. Diversity of opinion, respect of the other discussants and knowledgeable contribution are some of GD’s core values.
Why Forensics? by Sofia Thanopoulou and Amalia Zavacopoulou, Academy Faculty
“F
orensics saved my life in lockdown”. This could be the title of a 70’s disco song, but it is actually a phrase uttered by more than one student this spring. Yet, it is not just this year that we felt the power of Forensics. Every year, students come back from the Panhellenic Forensics Tournament with amazing experiences, having been exposed to intense argumentation, creative interpretations of literature, presentation of original ideas, and impressive speaking and discussing skills. But what is Forensics and why is it a “lifesaver”?
The Panhellenic Forensics Association was founded in the early 1970’s and ACS Athens was one of its early members. Since then the PFA Tournament has grown to be a prestigious national competition that brings together over 500 students and coaches from 19 schools from all over Greece. It is six events, permeated by the principles of Logos, Ethos and Pathos, address original, creative, ethical and critical thinking that is communicated through oral language. Over the last 10 years that we have led the ACS Athens Academy team, we have found the perfect match for our school’s core values and philosophy: independent inquiry, pursuit of knowledge, fair play, open mindedness and ethical involvement with global issues; curiosity, creativity and creative expression; effective communication, ownership and personal investment. Every single attribute of our graduates’ profile is addressed and developed through this competition. Debate motions such as “This House Regrets the rise of pop feminism” or “This House Would compel major polluters to open their borders to environmental refugees” push debaters to the edge of their reasoning. As they have to defend whichever side they are assigned, they argue, reason, justify and are able to see multiple perspectives on issues. Students
In Original Oratory the students are invited to identify a topic of significance they feel passionate about, research it in depth, formulate an opinion and write a persuasive speech to deliver orally. From matters of equality and animal rights, to accounts of personal dilemmas over ethical issues, to profound philosophical inquiries, students involved with Oratory develop their unique voice and sense of identity, consolidate their moral stance and reflect on their own values and beliefs. The incredible skills developed through Impromptu Speaking are considered by many as the most challenging of the contest: to be able to conceive, construct and deliver a coherent and original speech on a given prompt in under one minute would be a daunting task for most. And yet, ACS Impromptu speakers, with iron nerves and immense power of concentration, year after year, are given topics such as “time”, “a human is immortal when….” or “action is the key to success” and are able to deliver interesting speeches sometimes witty and philosophical, sometimes funny and reflective, but always inspirational and powerful. Duet Acting and Oral Interpretation of Literature celebrate creative expression and appreciation of language. Oftentimes students engage in creative writing of their own comedic or dramatic scenes and other times they select to engage with classical or modern texts of world literature. Through strenuous, disciplined practice they develop their vocal and physical expressive means, they come in close contact with the intricacies of language and they make meaning out of it, communicate and evoke emotion and activate empathy in themselves and their audience. So, why Forensics? We could continue in this vein for several pages but the answer can be summarized as follows: Forensics is athleticism of the mind; an opportunity to develop skills that are transferable to all aspects of life and being; to get exposed to discourse of the highest level; to become part of an inclusive and caring student community; and to share the gift of human communication. We are looking forward to leading a Forensics programme at ACS Athens that will grow and develop, “saving the life” of many students in the future. ■
