Tyler Smith, Lily-Rose Mooney, Tilly Coleman, and Jax Smart. Gundagai Public School’s debating program is in full swing, with students developing powerful skills in communication, reasoning, and collaboration.
This year, the school entered two teams in the Premier’s Debating Challenge, and both teams remain undefeated after two rounds. This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the hard work and commitment of our young debaters. Debating teaches students to think critically, listen respectfully, construct logical arguments, and respond under pressure. It builds confidence in public speaking, strengthens teamwork, and encourages students to consider different perspectives—all valuable skills both in side and outside the classroom.
The Years 5 and 6 competition is the largest of the age divisions in the Premier’s Debating Challenge. It began in 1995 when the Hunter region issued a challenge to the other regions of NSW to send their best primary school team to a championships in Newcastle, which is why to this day the state champion is awarded the Hunter Challenge Trophy.
Teams compete in a series of one-hour unassisted preparation debates, meaning that the 4 team members of the team only find out the topic one hour before the debate, and are then given an hour without any assistance to prepare their case.
Teams will be organised into zones of six or more. Each team will complete 4 debates against other teams from their zone at times and dates that suit the schools involved. Zone debates will occur from the start of Term 2 until mid-Term 3.
Once those 4 rounds are completed the team(s) with the best record will be declared zone champions and will compete in a regional knockout finals series. Following that, the 10 regional champions will attend a 3-day championships tournament at Stanwell Tops to determine the state champion. The championships will run in mid-November.
Debating coordinator and assistant principal Sally Wheaton, said, “This year we have had a record 16 students take part in debating training, reflecting the depth of talent at GPS.” “Debating involves so many skills: teamwork, writing, public speaking, listening and analytical thinking.
“It is extremely challenging, and at time stressful, but the students thoroughly enjoy it. “We have taken part in the Premiers Debating Challenge for many years now, and it is one of the many extra curricula opportunities we offer our students.
“The topics selected by the Arts Unit gives the students a chance to think critically about topics that affect their education and wellbeing. Both teams have more debates next term.
