Debating

Monday  October 23 was the annual Korowa and Solway ‘Great Debate.’ In preparation for the debate, a team of twelve students visited Korowa in September to attend a training day run by the Monash Debating Association. Back at Solway the students worked together in the following weeks to put together a practice debate on the topic of abolishing school uniforms, which they presented to the Year 2 students. Two final teams of 3 were then chosen to compete against Korowa.

Team 1 was Zara, Abi and Zoe who argued that students should be able to elect their principals. Team 2, consisting of Maddie, Sam A and Sam W, argued that we should not lower the voting age to 16. 

Our Solway students made themselves, their parents and the wider Solway community very proud with their excellent speeches, impressive public speaking skills, and poise under pressure. After two very close debates Solway was awarded a win for Team 2 and loss for Team 1. Congratulations to the entire Year 6 debating team on the outstanding effort !

Sam-  It was very nerve wracking at the start of the speech, but over time I eventually settled in. It felt great at the end, getting a loud round of applause and supporting my team throughout the debate. We are extremely grateful for this amazing opportunity, and hope that next year’s teams do great as well.

Zoe- When we first arrived at Korowa, I was quite scared to go up and speak in front of everyone. But after I started speaking, I felt more and more confident. Being up there and putting all my hard work out in the open was a thrilling experience, and I was really grateful to get this opportunity. After watching last year’s Grade 6’s perform their debate, I knew I wanted to do it this year. Overall, I’m so glad I signed up for debating, and I hope there’s many student’s names down in years to come because I had a blast.

Maddy- I was really proud to be debating at Korowa, and of course crazy nervous. However after I read over my speech a couple times, I felt really professional, although I didn’t expect there to be lights shining on me and a stage. But after I got up and started talking, I enjoyed the speech (surprisingly) and we won! 

Sarah Watkins

Literacy Specialist