A select group of Year 5 and 6 students took the opportunity to participate in an insightful training day run by the Debaters Association of Victoria (DAV).
Accredited DAV trainers held an introductory workshop at our school, and it was a wonderful introduction to the Australasian style of debating, in which two teams of three debate on a set topic.
Students received a firm grounding in the rules and strategies of a debate during the interactive seminar.
Here is a student’s reflection of the day.
My Experience at the Debating Training Day
By Prayanshi Padhy, Year 5
Walking into the training day with Grade 5s and 6s, I felt a mixture of excitement and nerves. Watching two different teams prepare to step up and debate made me realise how much courage and effort the event required.
As the debates began, those nerves quickly turned into admiration. Seeing everyone speak with confidence, think on their feet right where they were and respond to challenging arguments as they rebutted was incredibly impressive. It was rewarding to watch them put all of their preparation into practice and support one another throughout each debate.
The atmosphere throughout the event was both competitive and encouraging. Every team demonstrated respect for one another, and it was inspiring to see students confidently express their ideas while listening thoughtfully to different perspectives. Their enthusiasm and determination made the experience engaging from beginning to end.
To say the least, it was a great way to boost someone’s confidence and help them overcome a fear of public speaking. I felt like this was a great way to help me improve the way I project my voice and my fluency.
Looking back, the debating event was a memorable experience that left me feeling proud of everyone who participated. Even if some people might have not done what they thought was their best, all that matters is that everyone gave it a shot!
Watching everyone challenge themselves and grow in confidence reminded me of the value of stepping outside your comfort zone, and it was inspiring to witness the positive impact the event had on all involved.
