Climate change a hot topic at high school debating day

Wednesday 6 December 2006

The impact of our lifestyle on the environment will be under the spotlight this week with local high school students.

The students will consider water use in our own back yards when they debate the topic 'The building of private swimming pools should be banned' at the annual High School Debate Cup tournament, to be held at the University of Newcastle's Ourimbah campus.

The topics 'TV gives us a warped view of life' and 'Life was not meant to be easy' will also be debated.

The Cup showcases the debating skills of Years 7 and 8 students who, in teams of four, will challenge other local schools.

Sixteen schools in total will slog it out at the Debating Day, a 200 per cent increase since the Cup's debut in 2005.

Deborah O'Neill from the School of Education at the University of Newcastle said the day was a great way for the University to extend its links with local schools and provide an appropriate local venue for the development of debating on the Central Coast.

"Finding your voice and using it in public for the benefit of your community is an important part of democratic participation," she said.

"There's been a renewed energy for debating since schools began focusing more on educating students about local government and citizenship."

The winning school receives the Debate Cup Perpetual Trophy to be displayed at the school until the next Debating Day in 2007. All finalists receive recognition for their achievement and all entrants receive a certificate of participation.

To participate in the 2007 Debating Day please contact Deborah O'Neill, Debating Coordinator, or Sandra Heiner, Academic Support, at the University of Newcastle on 02 4349 4962.

Photo opportunity:
Thursday 7 December, 3-3.30pm
Lecture Theatre 2, Ourimbah campus, University of Newcastle

For media comment: Deborah O'Neill on 02 4349 4962.