Students from local high schools will debate if parents should be "sent off‟ with a red card for bad behaviour at the University of Newcastle Central Coast campus‟s annual debating competition.

Year 7 and 8 students from across the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie will travel to the campus tomorrow (Thursday 2 December) for the Sixth Annual High School Debate Cup.

Faced with two topics including „voting in elections should not be compulsory‟ and whether „referees should be able to give red cards to parents‟ the competition will test students‟ ability to argue their point, regardless of personal views.

Organiser Dr Heather Sharp, Lecturer with the University‟s Faculty of Education and Arts, said the event was a lot of fun and an excellent opportunity for students to improve their skills and gain confidence.

“It is a chance for students to test their ability to think critically about an issue, work with their team mates to craft a logical argument and articulate their point,” Dr Sharp said.

“The event is also an excellent opportunity for students to get a taste of life on a university campus, and for the University to extend its links with the community.”

The debates will be adjudicated by University Bachelor of Education students from the Central Coast campus and NSW Department of Education and Training representatives.

The battle for the 2010 Debate Cup will take place at the University of Newcastle, Central Coast campus in Lecture Theatre Two from 9am to 3.45pm, Thursday 2 December 2010.The Grand Final will be held from 2pm to 3pm. Media are welcome to attend.

For information contact: Louise Manning, Academic Support Unit, 4348 4323 or 0401 864 793.