Debating

This year, a large number of student tried out to be part of our debating teams. With so many eager - and persuasive - speakers interested, team selection was challenging. However, after several trials, our team members were chosen and following a debating workshop with The Arts Unit experts last week, today took on Drummond Memorial PS in the first round of the Premiere's Debating Challenge.

The topics were focused on education, with our BVPS Blue team arguing against the proposition that all homework and assignments should be groupwork; and BVPS Gold opposing the idea that that primary schools should move to a four-day week. Both teams raised well-considered arguments and learned a lot from their first competitive debate. At the end of the day, BVPS Gold convinced the adjudicator that the five-day week should stay as is; while in a narrow defeat, BVPS Blue were unable to persuade them that groupwork was a bad idea for assignments and homework.

There are three more rounds in the competition, before the 'super zone' champion team progresses to the state championships. 

Cam Pryce

Debating coach