SOUTH East students honed their debating skills on stage at the Wehl Street Theatre during the debating section of the Mount Gambier Eisteddfod last month.
Over four days, students from Year 6 to 12 explored current events and issues through a series of prepared and unscripted speeches.
Glenburnie Primary School and Tenison Woods College dominated the section, with two winning teams from each school.
Year 7 students were the first to perform, arguing for and against two topics – “students should get paid for good grades” and “younger brothers and sisters are a nuisance”.
Glenburnie Primary School’s team – James Allen, Lilli Spooner and James Braun – were the division winners.
In her first debate, Aislinn Schultz of St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School was named the best debater.
All students in division two made their debating debuts, with topics ranging from “dads are more fun than mums” to “all children should have pets” and “fairy tales are bad for children”.
Sectional director Adam Taylor said students gained valuable experience in public speaking and overcame “obvious nerves”.
“Debating is a real challenge for all students, especially younger ones,” Mr Taylor said.
“It provides them with the experience of public speaking, which boosts their confidence and critical thinking skills.”
Glenburnie Primary School Year 6 students Holly, Jayne Young and Angus Allen were crowned the winning team in division two.
Taylor Baggio of Reidy Park Primary School was recognised as the best debater in the division.
The junior secondary division followed with varied topics addressing the ethics of eating meat, questioning the relevance of Facebook and the tongue-in-cheek topic “debating is a waste of time”.
After a series of high quality debates, Tenison Woods College students Maddy Stevens, Amelia Taylor and Edie Jones were announced the best team and winners of the shield.
Edie Jones was named best speaker in the division for her enthusiastic and engaging delivery.
The senior secondary teams persuaded, informed and entertained the audience.
Competition was fierce as they explored the topics “internet censorship is inappropriate”, “our society is sick” and “higher taxes should be placed on fast food”.
Tenison Woods College students Baie Perryman, Caitlyn Poel and Evangelia Wichmann were named best team.
Grant High School student Abby Little was best speaker in the division for the second year running.
