Debating

About

BHNPS has two debating teams, a Year 5 and a Year 6 team. Debating teaches students to develop their oral and communication skills by speaking in front of an audience on a particular topic. Students think critically within time limit, to ensure their discussion points are persuasive. Competition against other local schools commence Term 2. We currently participate in the Premier’s Debating Challenge.

Selection Process 

During Term 1, interested students in years 5-6 are asked to attend an audition during their break time. We provide each student a different topic that they have encountered before, without any preparation, they speak in front of their peers on their topic. We also have a group discussion on currant affairs. Twelve students are selected for our debating team.

What does the program look like?  

Students meet on a weekly basis to train and unpack the skills needed to be an effective debater. We also invite adjudicators and professional debaters into our school for incursions/workshops after school. Skills that we explore as a group are:

- Planning their speech on a particular topic

- Rebuttals

- Speaking with clarity, volume, and gestures

- Modal Language

- Apply critical thinking skills

- Structuring their speech

- Writing notes

- Manner/ Matter

- Defining Topics

- Rules of Debating

Benefits of the program 

The program offers opportunities to gifted speakers and listeners. The students are extended beyond the classroom where they use their prior knowledge on persuasive writing, into their oral communication. Their collaboration and communication skills are enhanced as they work in a team. Students who aspire to be journalist, lawyers, politicians, teachers, or any other profession that requires public speaking as a skill, will benefit from the debating program.

Teacher 

Mrs Antonella Gigi and Mrs Vanessa Weisback

Classroom Teachers