11 Oct 2017
In week 10 of Term 3, the Masterminds debating team attended the Regional Debating finals held at the Collaroy Education Centre.
Over 120 schools participated in the Premiers Debating Challenge and after three full terms of debating, 16 schools were nominated Zone finalists, of which we were apart of.
Our Mowbray Masterminds first debated against Terrey Hills PS and after a close and nerve racking debate on the topic, "That schools should include two hours of charity work per week for kids in year 5 and above", they won and moved on to the next round.
After their excitement had died down, they were ready to proceed to their next debate against Middle Harbour PS. The topic for this debate was, "That we should only ever give feedback in primary school instead of grades or marks". What a close debate it was! After a long suspenseful pause from the adjudicator he finally announced he decision that we had won!
Throughout the competition all speakers spoke so well and really proved that they had taken on board everything they had learnt throughout the year. It really was such a proud moment for all parents present and myself as their coach.
Sadly, due to our Canberra Excursion the next day, we could not continue in the competition and attend the semi-finals. We therefore had to forfeit and leave with the knowledge that overall we we finished undefeated 4th out of 124 schools, a result worthy to be remembered in Mowbray history.
Well done team, what a great end to an awesome debating season! I thoroughly look forward to continuing our success next year with the year 5 students of the team and all the new year 4 students who decide to take up debating next year.
Mr McElhenny
Stage 3 Classroom Teacher
Debating Coordinator