Congratulations to everyone who submitted a topic for the competition.  You may find a version of your topic appears in the debate topics for next year.

A double movie pass has been sent to the following students for their winning  topic suggestions.

The winning debate topics for the Term 4 Grand Final are:

That there should be an age restriction on U-Tube

- Alice White, St Hilda’s

That a social life is more important than academics

- Laura Waring, PLC 7

That the Olympic games are a waste of money

- Olivia Tan, St Hilda’s

That cities without nature are harmful to humans

- Lauren Jones, Loreto

The ZANIEST topic was submitted by Kayvan Gharbi, Loreto

That everyone in Australia should drive Hyundais

Be thankful all you HOLDEN or FORD fans that you don’t have to argue this in front of your family.

Happy debating for Term 4, Medals AND Certificates await your successful Grand Final debate.

Lesli Grant

Patricia Cameron-Hill the marvelous Australian public speaker was told at an early age ” Patricia……YOU CAN TALK“.  ( This usually means you are talking too much and should stop.)  At one of her workshops, Patricia relates that it took her a long time to realise that talking was a real talent in her case.  After years of nursing and teaching, she decided to take her “talking talent” seriously and is now part of a dynamic team offering inspiring seminars and talks.  I heard her speak more that 10 years ago and I still remember being inspired.

Personally I hope more Australian primary school students have the opportunity to participate in debating or public speaking.  Young people with the “talking talent” may have no idea what they can do with the energy and enthusiasm which they have for expressing themselves. Most will find parents and teachers reflect back that this is a problem to be minimised rather than a talent to be developed.

My premise is that providing an outlet and affirming this talent will allow students to develop this energy constructively.  Who knows, they may even be able to have more control over talking when it isn’t appropriate.

The future needs…comedians, television comperes, public speakers, lawyers, teachers, salepeople….and more comedians please.

Lesli Grant

Medallion winners for 2008

CHALLENGE YOUR CLASS TO ARGUE AND WIN CERTIFICATES FOR IT!!

Is your class full of talkers? comedians? Do you have students that deserve a reward? Need a challenge?

The quick- start course for debating is now available in schools south of the river.  GOZONE Debating can help your  year 5, 6 and 7 students with 5 playful interactive sessions to learn debating. The Level 1 Debaters Handbook contains all they need to know to begin.  With teacher and parent support, students prepare and take part in their first In-house debate.

The introductory offer of $40 per student includes a free Handbook ($13) and an In-house Debate. ($15)

GOZONE Debating offers ongoing Inter-school debates in Term 2 and 3 and a Grand Final in Term 4 with certificates and medallions.

Contact : Lesli Grant 9258 8159 or email lesli@debating.net.au

Perth, Western Australia, Australia