Teaching & Learning
Debating
Last week we had 8 teams from Buninyong PS (6 from Buninyong and 2 from Scotsburn) compete in the South Street Debating Championships. The day provided students an opportunity to develop their confidence in public speaking and learn the fundamental skills of debating. Students worked collaboratively within groups of 4 to develop their speech on a specific topic. Overall, we were very successful on the day with 3 out of the 6 Buninyong teams winning their debate.
The students thoroughly enjoyed the day and all of them came away more confident with their public speaking, their ability to work within a team and thinking on the spot with their rebuttals!
We were also very thankful to the Pre Service Teachers, Elise, Ash and Zoe who assisted with preparing our students for their debates.
Below are some thoughts from just some of our debaters:
Freya Palmer
Debating was a great opportunity to experience something new. It was a very close debate and we came out as the winning team. I plan on being involved in debating at Secondary School.
Josh Hicks
Debating was really good and it will help me a lot with public speaking. It was nerve-wracking but also really fun!
Scarlett Menhenett
Debating was really fun and I enjoyed it a lot. It was very scary but it helps me to become more confident when talking in front of people.
Will Reichman
I really enjoyed having my first go at public speaking. I was a bit nervous at the start, however the nerves eased a bit. Overall I enjoyed the win and working with my team.
Tashi Petrov
Debating was really fun! I learnt a lot about how you form a debate and how you deliver it. I also really enjoyed listening and watching all the other debaters.
Young Authors
Our Young Authors are off again on Tuesday to take part in the next workshop to further learn the craft of writing. This workshop is a day of contrasts as students will be focusing on 21st Century Communication while at Sovereign Hill for the day. We wish our authors well and can’t wait to hear about their stories.
Chess Club Success
Well done to our Chess Team who have achieved success at yesterday’s Chess tournament in Melton.
Our school Chess Club has grown this year to include 20 students from years 2 – 6 with a good mix of male and female participants. The club meets every Thursday lunchtime and includes a beginners club as well as a more advanced group. The more advanced group participates in several tournaments throughout the year and has experienced a lot of success in recent times. This advanced group also mentors newer students helping them to gain new strategies while consolidating their own.
Normally the program only runs during Terms 2 and 3, however due to the popularity we are considering running a program again in Term 4 should the numbers remain strong.
If you would like to join, please contact Paula DeKok at school.
