Debating Round 4
20 Aug 2026
Our Stanmore debaters put their skills to the test in a thrilling Zone 15 final, with the Kookaburras securing victory and progressing to the next stage of the Premier’s Debating Challenge.
In the final round of the Premier’s Debating Challenge, Stanmore Cockatoos faced Stanmore Kookaburras, proposing that primary schools should start each day with a 30-minute exercise class.
Stanmore Cockatoos (Eliza R, Adelaide S, Willa M and Sloane P) took the affirmative standpoint, and Stanmore Kookaburras (Eliza M, Ava W, Lucille K and Nina S) took the negative.
This was a very important debate as it would decide the outcome of the Sydney Zone 15 Winner.
The affirmative team delivered a clearly defined argument and each speaker presented with composure and authority. They took different approaches, demonstrating how the introduction of exercise classes would positively benefit students in the long run, by making them happier, healthier and smarter.
The negative team argued against the change, explaining that the current system works well, and that it is important for physical activity to occur throughout the day. They also worried about the space constraints that would prevent the change running smoothly.
The affirmative team were able to rebut these concerns with well-reasoned and defined arguments and justifications. However the adjudicator determined that whilst the affirmative team were persuasive in demonstrating the health benefits and educational impacts that physical activity can provide for students, they did not convince them of the importance of having this happen each morning, rather than at the teacher’s and school’s discretion. Additionally, there was a lack of clarity on what the actual exercises would look like, which ended up weakening their overall argument.
Therefore, the negative team, the Kookaburras, were awarded the win.
The Kookaburras will now progress into the “sudden death” knock-out rounds, the first one being next Tuesday 24th August. We wish the Kookaburras luck in their continued efforts in the competition.
A special thanks to Emerson B, Maya H and Tulsi H for taking on the chairperson and timekeeper roles for this debate.
Why debating matters
Debating helps primary school students develop confidence, communication, and critical thinking skills.
By researching topics, organising ideas, and presenting arguments, students learn how to express their opinions clearly and respectfully. Debating also encourages active listening, teamwork, and the ability to consider different perspectives.
These valuable skills support learning across all areas of the curriculum and help participants become thoughtful, confident, and engaged students.
Stanmore Public School has a strong tradition of sporting excellence. A wide range of sporting opportunities are available to students, catering to all levels of ability and a variety of interests.
We take pride in celebrating our students' achievements both in and out of the classroom. We're committed to nurturing an environment where every student is encouraged to reach their full potential.
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High potential and gifted education (HPGE)
At our school, we identify and extend students with high potential across creative, intellectual, physical and social-emotional domains.