Debating

Debating is an extracurricular activity that Year 5 & 6 students compete in. It is run by Debating SA and takes place from Term 2 to Term 3 and times vary from 6pm to 9pm every 3 or so weeks. The competition consists of 5 rounds and the top teams have the opportunity to compete in finals. Debating SA is a not-for-profit organisation that provides services for schools across South Australia. Debating is another opportunity for students to extend and further develop their thinking, research skills, communication, social and integrity skills. Once students sign up for Debating they make teams of 4-6 and begin learning about the structure of debates, their roles and responsibilities as well as writing their speeches ready for their first debate. A few integral parts of what students learn and improve on in debating are their writing skills, collaborative skills and self management skills. Debaters use a lot of their own time at home or at lunch time to prepare for debates. Students thoroughly enjoy the social aspect of debating as well as the competition itself.

A student’s perspective:

“You win a debate with a better argument, not by force;” Frank Sonnenberg.

Debating is like ice cream. Once you get a taste, you’ll want to devour it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—it’s my favourite dish!

My name is Shabdita Pare and I am part of the year 5/6 debating team. Since joining debating in 2023, I’ve never looked back. Debating isn’t just arguing, it’s so much more than that. It’s about teamwork, collaboration, and pushing yourself to take chances. You learn researching skills, how to craft clever rebuttals, and public speaking, to name a few. You even learn to laugh at your mistakes, something, believe it or not, adults struggle to do! Each debate teaches me something new, and I get to collaborate with new people, which is one of my favourite things to do. I just love debating! Plus, the laughs and inside jokes we share as a team make every practice memorable. For example, “Did you hear about the debate about butter? It was a real spread of ideas!” All jokes aside, debating is an amazing opportunity, and the teachers are always SO supportive and friendly. So here’s to more debates, more learning, and more delicious arguments—I can’t wait to see what’s next on the menu!