Debating
Our students have the opportunity to compete in The Premier's Debating Challenge and are provided guidance and practice in debating technique during lunch time sessions.
Teams consist of four student, with one acting as the team's adviser in the preparation room and during the debate. The competition is run in three sections: Year 7 & 8, Year 9 & 10 and Year 11. In 2008, we have a Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10 and two Year 11 teams participating in this competition.
The Premier's Debating Challenge involves one-hour preparation debates. Teams do not know the topic or the side they are on until one hour prior to the start of the debate.
The adjudicating process follows the guidelines used by The Arts Unit (www.pau.nsw.edu.au). The adjudicator will be looking for knowledge of the subject matter, sincerity in the presentation of material, skilful development of the argument and the effective use of plain English.
All students involved receive a certificate acknowledging their participation. Certificates are also be awarded to the teams who win their Zone. Medallions are also awarded to the team members of teams who reach the State Finals. A perpetual trophy will be awarded to the State Champions in each division.
For Year 7 and 8 students, the speaking time is six minutes with a warning bell at four minutes. A continuous bell will be rung at seven minutes. The competition commences in July with Regional Finals in October.
For Year 9 and 10 students, the speaking time is eight minutes with a warning bell at six minutes. A continuous bell will be rung at nine minutes. The competition commences in May with Finals in August and September. In 2008, the State Final will be held on Friday 31 October at the Art Gallery of NSW.
For Year 11 students, the speaking time of each team member is ten minutes with a warning bell at eight minutes. A continuous bell is rung at eleven minutes. The competition commences in March with Finals held in June and July. In 2008, the State Final will be held on Friday 8 August at the University of Sydney.
Information regarding the efforts and achievements of our teams will be featured, as it becomes available, in "Upcoming Events/News" on the home page.
