The school entered three teams in the competition, a total of 12 debating students.

With more than 26 schools and 78 students competing from Ballarat and surrounding areas, one of the primary school’s teams competed and won against Pleasant Street Primary School with their affirmative arguments for the topic, “Bigger Schools Are Better”. 

Pupils Indigo, Charli, Max and emergency debater Taj were well-spoken and confident at the challenge, having been coached for weeks on end by their teacher Trudi Blick. 

Principal Trevor Edwards said the students had been great ambassadors for the school.

Indigo, in her first debating competition, was also runner-up for best individual female speaker. She said she decided to join the debating team because she thought it would be a good opportunity. 

“I thought it would be a good way to evolve my public speaking.”

Charli said their teacher really helped them to prepare, write rebuttals and perfect their arguments.

Max said he was second speaker, although he had played the role of first in their practice.

“I decided I would try something new. My sister did debating so I wanted to do it too,” he said.

Taj said he got involved with debating because he thought it would be a fun thing to be part of.

“Since I’m not that good at public speaking, I thought I’d give debating a shot. I didn’t get to actually speak but it was still exciting to watch my team go through the finals and win.”

All the pupils said they would continue debating in high school. 

Meanwhile, Daylesford Secondary College entered 12 teams across the junior, middle and senior categories. Their junior team, comprising of year sevens James, Freddie and Freya proceeded to the finals but narrowly missed out on victory against the year eight girls from Loretto, arguing against the proposition that school uniform is beneficial.