Debating championship for primary schools

The Peninsula Debating Championship was held at Umina Public School on October 27.

The event was a joint initiative between Umina Public School and Brisbane Water Secondary College Umina Campus and included local primary schools from the area.

Students from Years 7 to 9 adjudicated the event and mentored timekeepers and chairpersons throughout the day, according to College event coordinator Ms Genelle Farquhar.

Ms Farquhar said the primary schools that took part included Umina Public School, Woy Woy South Public School, Ettalong Public School, Point Clare Public School and Empire Bay Public School.

"Students learn best by doing, so this was an excellent opportunity for our students to improve their skills," Ms Farquhar said.

Event organiser Ms Laura Vella said this year's competition had been one of the most successful held so far.

"It is great to see so many Year 5 and 6 students connecting," Ms Vella said.

"All participating schools said that it was a great opportunity to develop positive learning experiences for students on the Peninsula."

Ms Farquhar said the final debate for the championship was between Umina and Empire Bay primary schools.

"Both teams have outstanding speaking and listening skills and our Year 9 students were excited about them joining the debating teams when they come to high school," Ms Farquhar said.

"The winners, Empire Bay Public School, defeated Umina Public School in a close final debate.

"The topic was 'That it is better to plant cabbages than flowers'.

"Empire Bay was the negative team and successfully proved that society needed to grow plants that provided food, beauty and medicines to help us to live.

"They proved that all had an important role and one was not 'better' than the other.

"Next year the event will be held at Brisbane Water Secondary College Umina Campus."

Press release, 5 Nov 2009 Genelle Farquhar, BWSC Umina