Students in year 8 English classes are currently undertaking a topic on debating and persuasive writing. Students have been allocated groups and assigned a topic that they must argue either for or against. They have been taught the formal debating structure and procedure and are now at the stage where they are delivering these debates in front of their peers.

I have been extremely proud of the students who have got up in front of the class to argue their position, despite being terrified of public speaking.

Students will next have the opportunity to participate in interclass debating, where a team will be selected to represent each class against the other four care groups in year 8. From there, a team will be selected from each year level to participate against the other Riverland Schools later in the year.

Daniel Clark - Year 8 English Teacher