An idea conceived over two months ago became a reality when 16 children came together on 5th of November at Northern Beaches Christian School. The goal was ostensibly to hold a debate and children had been selected based on their past experience in this skill area, however there was a subtle difference to this ‘Inter-school event’. Rather than compete with a prepared team, fighting it out for the glory of the school, each team would consist of one child from each school. In this we challenged the children to create a team, proffer their talents to the team and then work together to develop and deliver either the positive or negative of a debate topic.
As a result of a cross school collegiate think tank, composed of Year 5 and 6 teachers, from North Cross (Ryde), Oxford Falls Grammar School, Northern Beaches Christian School and ourselves, our purpose was to strengthen the relationship between the schools and to enrich our children in a non-competitive environment. (It was interesting to note the language and attitude of teacher’s, staff and parents was of competing and winning in the lead up to this event).
Four students, Angel, Emily, John and Kingsley, went to Northern Beaches to attend an ‘inter-school debating’ day. Each of us were a little anxious about the day – “Will I prepare well enough?” “Will I speak clearly?” “Will I remember the team line?” Mr Groves assured us though that each of us were more than equipped for the ‘mundane’ task of preparing and presenting a debate topic – even if we were only given 2 hours to prepare. The more legitimate concern was whether the groups would gel, and how we would go at making friends. Again he assured us that each of us had plenty to offer.
We arrived first and met the students from NBCS but were soon joined by Oxford Falls and North Cross Schools. Huddled in a room and clearly divided by the uniform we were wearing we waited to be given our topics and our teams. We were divided into four different groups not having two students from the same school in one group. Some nervous glances around the room told us that we were not the only ones worried about how this experiment in social skills would work.
After a short talk from Mr Cameron of NBCS about how the day would run and some house keeping, the two topics were given: “Too many cooks spoil the broth” and “School uniform should be abolished.” Some smiles began to creep around the room as arguments blossomed in fertile minds. Our groups were given space to work and access to some of the many computers that NBCS is resourced with, and we began. Before we knew it ideas were flying, group members were taking on roles and the debate was taking shape. We were given one and a half hours to finish the debate. After lunch, we started debating.
The debate was presented to the year 6 from NBCS. The first debate was “Too many cook spoil the broth” and it was won by John’s team while Kingsley’s team lost by only 1 POINT! The second debate was “School uniform should be abolished”. Again the debate was won by only 1 POINT! This time Angel’s team was victorious although Jess spoke very well in a defeated side.
We rushed back to school ready to catch the buses, however not before we stopped to take a photo and connect once more with the 16 students who transcended the barrier of school uniform for a day to form a Christian community of debating. We had taken the challenge, and all of were the better for it.
By Kingsley and John
Note from the teacher: It is true that the children were nervous and excited as they looked forward to Wednesday morning and meeting the students from the other school. However it was great to watch them throw their fear aside as they became engrossed in the task. I took great pleasure in being associated with our students who acquitted themselves so well, not just in the preparation and the debate but also the leadership and membership aspects of a team.
Well done to all.
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