12 Apr 2018
A GREAT DEBATE
Quirindi High School Year 11 Students: Josie Saunders, Grace Pezzuto and Lia Robertson have been joined by Year 10 student Emily Cronin to form the QHS Senior Debating team.
"It has been several years since Quirindi High School has been able to field a team in the senior round of the Premier's Shield Debating competition, so it is fantastic to see a team formed for 2018," said Coach, Mr Owen,
The quartet worked successfully together in the Year 9/10 Debate team in 2017, developing into a formidable foursome.
On Monday, QHS hosted Duval High School - Armidale in Round 1 of this year's competition.
The debate topic... 'that scripture should be banned in Government schools' saw Quirindi draw the affirmative.
"From this point each team had only 1 hour to prepare, and are not allowed any help from their team coach."
Emily Cronin opened the Debate establishing solid team argument.
Second QHS speaker, Lia Robertson built the team's case and was successful in her rebuttal of the oppositions arguments.
"Josie Saunders proved a very strong QHS third speaker, tearing down the opposition arguments with logic."
Grace Pezzuto artfully performed the role of the 4th speaker - which is to help prepare counter arguments for team use.
Adjudicator on the day was the experienced Mr Rob Lewis, who was suitably impressed by the standard of both teams.
"Quirindi won the debate by being a stronger team and having more depth to their case than Duval was able to provide."
Fellow QHS teacher Mr Chambers' Yr 10 class were the audience.
"I was impressed by the high standard of intellectual augments each side put forward, with only one hour spent in preparation," commented Mr Chambers - post debate.
The QHS Senior Debate team, will travel to Uralla next term to debate against Uralla Central School.
"Congratulations to our students for their performances on Monday. Thank you to Mr Lewis for his expertise, Duval High School for making the journey to participate and to our fellow students for being the audience."
Coach, Mr Owen concluded by saying he felt confident the QHS Senior Debate team could come away with a further win against Uralla next term.
"The QHS senior team works exceptionally well together and continue-to-learn every step of the way. They possess a great speaking-style coupled with the ability to construct strong intellectual arguments. We should all be proud of their skill, teamwork and dedication."
Congratulations students and thank you our visitors, judge and audience.