07 Jun 2016
Debating at Fairfield West Public School
Fairfield West Public School has once again entered two teams into the Premier's Debating Challenge.
Congratulations to all of the students who tried out for the teams the "Pow Wows" and the "Wranglers". It was great to see so many students take an interest in the cerebral battle that is debating.
The teams have been having two training sessions a week. On Mondays at lunch we practice our debating technique. This involves acquiring the skills to expertly work as a team, develop a sound argument, elaborate that argument and provide real life examples to back it up. Students also learn to think on their feet by preparing speedy rebuttals to counter any arguments an opposition may present.
Our second session is held on a Thursday. Here students brainstorm real life ideas, building up a bank of knowledge on issues such as education, politics, science, art, popular culture, and ethics. They think "outside the square" and develop their opinion whilst seeking to further their understanding of their world. It's also a great chance for us to expand our vocabulary and etymology.
So far we have participated in one debate against Homebush West. Both teams had victories on this day and as teachers we could not have been happier, not just with the result, but with the way all the students competed fairly, courteously, and sought out feedback on what and where they can improve their debating nouse.
Debating Teachers