DEBATING CLUB
The JSR Debating Club runs annually over terms one and two. The club is open to all students from Years 7 – 12.
Students compete in different divisions, according to their year group. Years 7 and 8 are in the Novice Division; Years 9 and 10 are in the Junior Division and Years 11 and 12 are in the Senior Division. We usually enter multiple teams for each division. There are five debates in the preliminary rounds.
Students prepare for each debate during lunchtime at school. Each team has their own coach who discusses the topics and organises the speakers for each debate. Discussions are usually lively with students airing their opinions of the controversial topics and then jumping onto laptops to research some supporting evidence.
The debates themselves take place at Perth College on various Wednesday evenings. Students stay at school on the debating days and work with their coach in the library to make final preparations. They are given a snack to sustain their energy levels and then taken by bus to the venue. Parents are always welcome to come and watch their child debate and are often surprised by their hidden talents!
Learning to debate is a valuable skill. It develops the ability to create strong arguments about a topic and to speak with clarity and conviction. Many students become hooked on debating in Year 7 and continue right through to Year 12. Some have gone on to become debating adjudicators themselves. At JSR we have a history of excellence in debating.
Ms Gwen Browning
Debating Coordinator