Debating

Last week, our two teams competed in three debates each. One first was against teams from Drummond Memorial PS, in which topics relating to technology use in schools were discussed:

Blue: That Year 5 and 6 students should do all school work on a screen instead of using textbooks and paper. (Affirmative)

Gold: That Year 5 and 6 students should use some of the time they spend on books in English to learn computer programming instead. (Negative)

Both Ben Venue Blue and Ben Venue Gold successfully persuaded the adjudicator of their arguments and came away with wins. 

Later in the week, our teams were scheduled to compete against each other. The topic under consideration for this debate was that primary schools should have compulsory swimming lessons. (Blue - affirmative, Gold - negative). The Blue team articulated the strongest arguments and was declared victorious.

Finally, on Friday, both teams faced off against Nemingha PS, debating issues relating to responsibility:

Blue: That Year 5 and 6 kids should have to spend one week of school holidays a year working for a charity. (Negative)

Gold: That we should fine parents when their children are caught being mean to other students. (Affirmative)

Unfortunately, our Blue was short several members and could only field a team of three. While the team argued well and the debate was close, Nemingha came away with the win. Our Gold debating team however proved too strong for Nemingha.

At the conclusion of the local competition, both teams secured three victories and conceded one loss. We await the results of other debates in the competition to see whether further match ups will be required to determine the zone champions.

Cam Pryce

Debating Coach