Joint debate training day

Seventy youngsters from schools across the region attended a debating training day on Monday.

Year 5 and Year 6 students from Deniliquin North School, Hay, Finley, Barham, Booligal, Blighty and Mathoura schools attended the workshop, which is run by the education sector’s Arts Department.

Topics covered included rebuttal, arguments, definition and speakers’ roles, as well as a few games and activities and a chance for everyone to give a short debating speech.

Riverina regional debating co-ordinator Megan Hunter said the day was a success.

‘‘The day was entertaining and informative, and it was a huge hit with all who attended,’’ she said.

‘‘The expertise of the Arts Department representatives who run the workshops is exceptional.’’

Topics for discussion included the banning of school uniform and the introduction of mandatory participation in weekend sports.

The debating training days run around the state are organised by the NSW Arts Department in conjunction with regional coordinators.

Olivia Manzin, Kira Dickie, Shae Learmonth and Jessica Hillier.

Abbey Lawson, Jemma Smith, Sophie Murray and Hannah Dunmore.