The Bundaberg Inter-School Debating Competition wrapped up last Thursday evening with final debates in divisions from Year 7-10.

This year, Shalom entered three teams into the competition: a combined Year 7 and 8 team competing in the Year 8 competition; a Year 9 Team and a Year 10 team.

All the teams did a fantastic job, showing great improvement in their skills over the term. There were some challenging topics which stretched their critical and creative skills. A particularly important aspect of debating is developing a team approach and working together on argument development and rebuttal. These are great skills for our students to take with them into their studies and beyond.

Given only one competitor had participated in a formal debate competition prior to this year, the Year 7/8 Team were particularly impressive as they not only won their division but were undefeated for the tournament. All the students are to be congratulated on their efforts.

A particularly important aspect of our participation in this tournament were the contributions of a team of Year 11 and 12 students who acted as team coaches and filled the important rolls of Timekeeper and Chairperson for the debates.

Thank you to all of our following debaters - Torah S, Max L, Desilva D, Phoebe R, Asha D, Layla J, Lola W, Duru T, Callum M, Lara M, Sithuki W, Joann J, Jaslyn P, Cooper L, Lauren R, Lilly M and Ashlee B.

We look forward to next year’s event and hope to see more Shalom students participating in this great local competition!

Mrs Patricia Allen
Debating Coordinator
allenp@shalomcollege.com