A group of Southern River students have been involved with the Western Australian Debating League having participated in two rounds already this year.
Southern River teachers Peta Moore and Sasha Lytas have been guiding the debate students, calling them The Justice League, and have held mock trials in class
Ms Lytas said she was proud of the students.
“They are rising to the challenge and giving debating a go,” she said.
“Public speaking is one of the biggest fears in the community and to see students as young as year seven conquer this fear is very impressive.”
Ms Lytas said the students were doing well in the competition competing against schools including All Saints, CBC, Willeton, Seton College, Applecross and Trinity College.
“They are often against schools that have competed for many years with an established program,” she said.
“Many adjudicators have been shocked at how recently our students have started debating as they are performing strongly and holding their own against much more experienced students.”
Ms Lytas said after two debates all the year eight and nine teams have won at least once.
“One year eight team went up against a team who was in the finals last year,” she said.
“The adjudicator remarked it was the best novice debate they had ever seen and for two of our students in that debate it was their first ever debate.”
Year eight student Isabelle Oreo said this was the first time she has taken part in a debating competition.
The 13-year-old said she enjoyed researching the topics to better understand them and liked finding words to express her arguments.
“So far I have argued the case for banning computers in high schools,” she said.
“Soon I will be arguing the case to ban nuclear energy.
“It is hard when you are allocated a side to argue for and you actually agree with the opposite side and it can sometimes be a bit nerve racking.”
Isabelle said debating has made her think about issues she normally would not have thought about.
She also said debating taught her to look at issues from a different perspective.
A WADL spokesperson said debating encouraged critical thinking and fostered engagement with global issues.
“It equips students with lifelong skills and the confidence to pursues their potential.”
The next round will see some of the students competing on May 10.
