BMG 2019 - Woodlea Prep to Year 6 Co-Curricular Handbook

- Page 30 - CONTENTS - DEBATING CLUB - YEARS 5 AND 6 Teacher: Catherine Stewart and Jaclyn Gloury Time: Monday Lunchtime Location: Room 101 STUDENT CHOICE PROGRAM OVERVIEW ‘ Debating is about persuasion. Debating is not about rules. ’ Students wishing to extend their knowledge and skills in the areas of English and Literacy would benefit from participating in Debating. The program includes an introduction to the art of persuasion and the structure of formal debates. Students will learn how to formulate arguments, how to define topics, and the role of each speaker in a debate. The best way to consolidate skills is with interactive activities, so the program also includes various games, workshops and ‘ mini ’ debates. There may also be opportunity for students to participate in ‘ friendly ’ intra-school and inter-school debates. SKILLS DEVELOPED Debating is an invaluable skill for students:  it promotes confidence and effective public presentation  it encourages logical and critical thinking, social awareness and an interest in current affairs  it is multi-disciplinary and debating techniques can be used in all subject areas  its benefits extend through all aspects of the school curriculum  it is well directed to the ‘ Communication ’ and ‘ Thinking ’ domains of the Australian Curriculum. More specifically, it addresses the ‘ Speaking and Listening ’ , ‘ Listening, Viewing and responding ’ , ‘ Presenting ’ , and ‘ Reasoning, Process and Inquiry ’ dimensions of English. SELECTION CRITERIA This co-curricular is available to all students in Years 5 and 6, however, this class has a student cap on the number of students able to participate. Parents are required to accept their child ’ s position through the Parent Portal. Students who do not get to participate in their chosen activity will be placed on a waiting list.