Do you like arguing with your parents and siblings? If so, join the debating team!

This year, Unley Primary School has two debating teams. A debate is a formal discussion or argument between two teams, about a topic.

Everyone on our team has been working extremely hard, including practising three lunch times a week and an hour after school on Thursdays. We were really excited last fortnight when we had had our first debate of the year.

Our topic was “That ipads, computers and tablets in primary schools should be banished.” Both our teams were affirmative for this debate, which meant that we agreed with the topic.

Rosie and Iris were both first speakers. Their arguments included:
– That the OECD have found no evidence that technology actually improves learning
– That technology is a distraction in class
– And that handwriting has many benefits for you, rather than typing.

William and Rishab were both second speakers. They argued that:
– Technology is detrimental to students health
– And that technology is a waste of money and fraught with technological problems.

Tom and Arabella were both third speakers. They had to summarise all the arguments and rebut the other team’s case.

The Year 6 team was debating with Blackwood Primary School, and the Year 7 team were against Pembroke School.

Our hard work paid off as both teams won their debates! Iris and Rosie were both awarded Speaker of the Night at their debates – congratulations for this achievement. We are really proud of our effort, teamwork and skills.

Our next topic is “That the Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake should be banned.” Both our teams are negative. Stay tuned to find out the result!