Local students test their ability to argue at annual debating day
Twenty teams from 14 local schools will descend on the University of Newcastle, Central Coast campus, tomorrow to battle it out in the annual high school debating day.
Debating topics as diverse as 'there should be a licence required to parent, 'violence in video games is fuelling violence in reality' and 'examinations should be abolished' the Year 7 and 8 students will go head-to-head throughout the day-long event.
High School Debating Day has been a regular feature on the University calendar since its inception in 2005.
Deborah O'Neill, from the School of Education, said the event gave students a great opportunity to hone their debating skills.
"The young students coming through today's schools are tomorrow's leaders," Ms O'Neill said.
"Finding your voice and using it in public for the benefit of your community is an important part of democratic participation.
"Debating not only hones public speaking skills, it also teaches students empathy because they need to consider someone else's point-of-view in order to combat it.
"Debating day is also a great opportunity for the University to extend its links with local schools, and give high school students a taste of life on a university campus."
High School Debating Day will take place at the University of Newcastle, Central Coast campus, from 9am to 3.30pm on Thursday 4 December 2008.
Photo opportunity:
Students will be participating in debates across the day.
The Grand Final will be conducted in Lecture Theatre 2 from 2pm to 3pm.
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