DUBBO College South Campus doesn’t need to talk up its year 7 debating team because results speak for themselves.
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The team of five has taken out the zone championship in this year’s Premier’s Debating Challenge for years 7 and 8.
Taylor Collins, Jessica Gawthorne, Jack Gilroy, Matthew Griggs and Bradley Pomroy are all keen debaters but it wasn’t until earlier this year that they teamed up for the first time, making their championship win even more impressive.
But the road to debating glory wasn’t entirely smooth.
During the zone round the team, under coach and English teacher Rachele Haigh, defeated Dubbo College Delroy Campus and Coonamble High School, but lost to Coonabrabran High School.
The South Campus debaters came up against Coonabarabran again in the final and won the championship.
Recently the same team took on Cowra High School in a regional semi-final, debating the topic “That we need a new approach to attract tourists to Australia”.
In a very close encounter, Cowra won the debate arguing in the affirmative. But Ms Haigh remains chuffed.
“The debating challenge has provided great competition and wonderful experience for our students,” she said.
“The five students involved are all highly motivated and very happy to be part of the South Campus team.
“We will look forward now to next year’s Premier’s Debating Challenge.”
Jack Gilroy, who debated at state level during primary school, is vocal about the “opportunities” it presents.
“It really is great fun with lots of good experiences,” he said.
“The trips are fun and we meet a lot of new people, with similar interests to ourselves. I really enjoy the challenge of debating and I hope to be in the team again next year.”
