Dominic debating

On the evening of Wednesday 31 March Dominic College hosted Round 2 of the Tasmanian Debating Union’s Southern Schools’ Competition.

Students, teachers and parents from schools all over Hobart were present for 18 separate debates involving over 100 students.

Dominic College’s involvement in this competition has grown this year, with five teams competing across all year levels. Wednesday night was a great excuse to show off our facilities, and an opportunity for staff to come along and observe our students in action.

The feedback regarding our students was overwhelmingly positive; staff and parents were very impressed with the level of intellectual engagement and critical thinking on display.

I have written before about the benefits of debating for all students, including the confidence they develop simply by standing up in front of a supportive and authentic audience and expressing their point of view.

Students also benefit from broadening their depth of knowledge about topical issues.

A number of Wednesday’s debates concerned gender issues such as equality in sports broadcasting and gender roles in the family. An increased awareness of these issues helps students to become active and informed members of society.

Many thanks to all staff and parents who attended and assisted with this event, and to our Year 10 leaders who were on hand to act as hosts to our guests and ensure that the evening was a great success.

You can see some more photos on our gallery:Debating.

Mr Ben Fulton - Debating Coordinator