The Debating season is well and truly underway for 2015 and our club is very strong this year with over 30 participants. This large number of budding debaters is very keen to learn new skills and challenge themselves at the same time. Mr Barrington-Higgs has joined the team this year and we welcome his experience and assistance with open arms.

Last Friday, 8 of our team members headed to Sydney Grammar School, St Ives to debate the issue “That zoos do more harm than good.” A challenging topic like that was always going to be difficult to disprove and it was the Affirmative teams from both schools that won their respective debates.

The best thing about this debate was the efforts of 3 boys who were in their very first debate. Laksh Pande from 5E, Liam Dundon and Kalen James from 6E performed admirably at their first debate and look like strong members who can now help other rookie members of the club when their time comes. Experienced members such as Luke and Gabriel Dickinson, James Francis, William Cordwell and Nilanka Abbey all made last Friday’s debate such a fascinating experience for those present.

The season ahead holds many exciting and fascinating debating topics ahead. If you do ever get a chance to come and watch and support the boys, please do so as you will see how lucky we are to have such talent here at Newington and how proud we should be of these boys.

Mr Edwards – Year 5E Teacher and Debating Co-ordinator