As part of the many new opportunities being introduced across the Junior School, we were excited to launch our new enrichment debating program last week. This term, six students were selected to represent The Knox School in an interschool debating competition hosted by Carey Baptist Grammar School. Students debated the topic, “Social media helps us express our true identity,” and worked collaboratively to research ideas, prepare arguments, and present their viewpoints confidently.
Throughout the program, students developed their research and critical thinking skills, learned about the formal structure of debating and how debates are adjudicated, and strengthened their public speaking abilities.
The experience provided students with a valuable opportunity to challenge themselves, think deeply about contemporary issues, and represent TKS with confidence and enthusiasm. Due to the success of the program, we are excited to expand this opportunity in Semester 2, with more Year 6 students invited to participate in debating.
Our two teams have shared the following reflections following their debating experience:
When I joined the debating team, I expected to learn how to debate and argue, and instead, I also learned how to grow, step up for myself, and build stronger bonds with my fellow classmates. The courage to step up and speak, the ideas you need to come up with, the creativity, all built me into a person that I never thought I would be. If we lost, it didn’t matter, as long as we were all a team, debating about topics that you’d need to think open-mindedly about. Joining the debating team taught me to speak with confidence, think with precision, and listen with the utmost respect. These are all skills that shaped not just how I communicate, but who I am becoming.
– Nina, Year 6
Even though it was challenging, I still persevered and tried my best for the rebuttals. But challenges also come with growth in my learning. The debating day really improved my public speaking and critical thinking skills. As you need it to think fast and convey the message with the best of your ability.
– Thaman, Year 6
Interschool Debating has been an extremely rewarding experience for my group and me. I believe that working collaboratively as a group was not only important but enjoyable. I think that ensuring our scripts aligned with the other teams’ scripts was relatively challenging, especially as it encouraged thinking on the spot. However, I feel that this has taught me to grow as a learner and explore new aspects beyond my academics but also skills that I will be able to use in everyday life.
– Grace, Year 6
This year many new opportunities have popped up. Not knowing what to expect, I signed up for the debating team. I thought that we would have slow, easy sessions teaching us the steps of debating each week. However, we learned many skills thoroughly in a few weeks, so we can focus on our final debate. Every time we learned something new, we didn’t skim over it but went into depth and with great efficiency. Finally, the moment we were waiting for had emerged. The debate day at Carey Grammar. We all tried our best to amplify the many skills that we were taught, such as collaboration, organisation, communication and critical thinking. Even though we didn’t win, we were the first ever Year 6s to have the fortuity to experience this one-of-a-kind event, leaving us with everlasting memories and skills that will lead us through the world that is still left for us.
– Kanusha, Year 6
Debating against students from other schools was pretty nerve wracking at first, but also really exciting, especially because it was our first time. Everyone worked hard to present their arguments clearly and support their team during the debate. It was a great opportunity to build confidence, improve speaking skills, and learn more about teamwork. Overall, it was a fun and challenging experience, and I would love to do it again.
– Haveen, Year 6
My time in the debating team was an amazing experience. I gained many new skills, such as teamwork, organisation and collaboration. The debate at Carey Grammar was an experience I’ll never forget. Although we didn’t win, we gained lots of experience and some nice memories too. I have had so much fun, and I hope I will have more debating opportunities like this in the future.
– Shania, Year 6
