English
Debate Club
Applecross SHS has been participating in this year’s WADL debating season, competing against such schools as Leeming SHS, Willeton SHS and Aquinas. It has been a strong and rewarding experience for our school, marked by consistent success, growing confidence, and meaningful learning for all students involved. Across all divisions (Novice, Junior and Senior), our teams have performed exceptionally well, despite many students having never debated before, winning the majority of their debates each week and demonstrating a high level of preparation, critical thinking, and teamwork.
One of the most pleasing aspects of this season has been the way students have embraced the challenges of competitive debating. From the outset, they have shown a willingness to engage with complex and often controversial topics, ranging from ethical dilemmas (e.g. Should we have a chip implanted in our brains which enables people to read our thoughts) to global political issues (e.g. should we abolish the British monarchy). Their ability to construct clear, logical arguments and respond effectively under pressure has improved significantly over the course of the competition. This is reflected not only in their win-loss record, but also in the increasingly sophisticated quality of their speeches.
Student enjoyment has been another highlight. Many participants have commented on how much they value the opportunity to collaborate with peers, develop their public speaking skills, and test their ideas in a supportive yet competitive environment. For some, debating has pushed them outside their comfort zone, particularly when it comes to speaking in front of an audience. However, it has been particularly rewarding to see these students grow in confidence as the season has progressed. The sense of camaraderie within teams and the excitement of competition nights have contributed to a very positive overall experience.
Importantly, the benefits of debating have extended well beyond the competition itself. Students have developed a range of transferable skills that will serve them across their time at school and personal lives. These include critical thinking, the ability to analyse issues from multiple perspectives, and the capacity to construct persuasive arguments supported by evidence. They have also learned the importance of listening carefully to opposing viewpoints and responding respectfully and strategically to them.
In addition, students have gained a deeper understanding of current affairs and global issues. Preparing for debates has required them to research widely, evaluate sources, and stay informed about the world around them. This has fostered a greater sense of engagement with real-world issues.
Overall, this has been a highly successful and enriching debating season so far for our school. The combination of strong results, enthusiastic participation, and significant skill development highlights the value of participating in the WADL program. We look forward to helping the students continue to provide students with opportunities to challenge themselves and grow as confident, articulate thinkers for the remainder of the season.
Book Club
Book Club continues to meet on Thursdays in the library at 3:00pm, weeks 3 and 7 of each term. Students have just finished reading 'The Martian' and will be starting a new novel by R. A Spratt called 'Hamlet is Not Okay.' Book club is a very enjoyable afternoon, with good conversation about good books, followed by yummy snacks. All students are welcome to attend.
Justina Pereira, HoLA - English