Central Tilba Public School is proud to announce its enthusiastic participation in this year’s Premier’s Debating Challenge, showcasing the talents and teamwork of our four dedicated student debaters. Competing with neighbouring schools including Wolumla, Moruya, Narooma and Batemans Bay, our team has demonstrated impressive skills in research, critical thinking and public speaking. Through each round of the competition, the students have grown not only as debaters but as confident communicators, embracing the challenges and learning opportunities that the Premier’s Debating Challenge provides. Here is what the team had to say about their journey.

Otto

My role on the team is First Speaker. My job is to announce the topics or arguments of my fellow speakers. My responsibilities include rebuttal when we are arguing the negative. I present three or four minutes of strong arguments.

My strengths include my manner (my tone of voice and delivery of the speech) and the arguments that I come up with. One of the only things I worry about is the length of my speech.

I like debating because of the rush of excitement and adrenalin before I speak. I also feel like I just belong there.

Davi

My role on the team is the Second Speaker. My responsibility is to rebut the opposition’s First Speaker by giving two reasons why their ideas are wrong. I present my arguments convincingly to the adjudicator.

I feel confident with my method and like to add humour to my speech. I am also improving my timing. I enjoy the structure of debating and getting to yell at strangers!

Grace

My role on the team is Third Speaker. My job is to deliver a strong rebuttal that is about two to three minutes long and a conclusion that summarises what my team has said and why we are right.

My strengths are the way I deliver my ideas, how strong and loud my voice is and my rebuttals. I am working on extending my arguments so that my speeches are longer.

I like debating because it feels like my ‘thing’. I feel like I belong there presenting my arguments and talking to an audience.

Tully

My role is the Fourth Speaker. My responsibility is to help my team plan their arguments and rebuttals. I support them by giving them ideas and words as well as examples they can use. I need to listen carefully to the opposition and take notes.

Even though I don’t speak, I feel like I really support them and lead them through the planning, so we don’t talk over the top of each other. Next year I’d like to be a speaker.

I like debating because I feel proud of my team and some of the arguments are funny. I also like the snacks we get when we are planning!

Tania Hextell (Principal) and the
Central Tilba Public School
Debating Team

Photo: Central Tilba Debating team (left) and Narooma Public Debating team (right)