Stages 4 & 5
Junior History
Stages 6
Ancient History
Modern History
Online lessons
Excursions
Debating
Access Asia
Debating
In 2001 six students in Year 9 took part in the first ever History debate by distance. They prepared their speeches, communicating with each other and their teachers by phone, tele-conference and email. They also came to the school for two workshops where they learnt the formalities of debating.
Jacqui, Tyrone and Tarant with parent, Christine and teachers, Jean and Daphne
A visit to Parliament House during question time was useful to pick up techniques from the masters of debate!
The first debate was: That Australians were shown at their worst during the Great Depression!
It was conducted by teleconference. Students showed they had great listening skills and were able to refute the opposing team's arguments effectively.
For the second debate students took a step back in time to 1916 and took part in the conscription debate that tore the nation apart. The proposition was: That the Australian Government should, if necessary, conscript men for the war effort.
As happened in 1916, the proposition lost!
We didn't worry about winning or losing, the main thing was it was a lot of fun with parents and teachers also taking an active part. All students agreed that it was a great way to learn history. Beats the leaflets any day!
