Debating

Debating & Public Speaking

Geelong High School participates each year in the Debaters Association of Victoria (DAV) Schools Debating & Public Speaking Competitions from Years 7 to 12. GHS also competes in the prestigious Plain English Speaking Award (PESA) run by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA), as well as other public speaking opportunities which arise from time to time.
While these events are competitive, students are well-supported by both GHS and the DAV through guided preparation and helpful feedback. The aim is to improve and refine students’ skills in research, argumentation, critical thinking and speech while working as a team. Debating and public speaking can also help students to:

• Think more clearly and in a more organised way, which can help with the rest of their studies and their personal and social life
• Follow paths to careers and community work in which putting arguments forward is essential, such as law, politics, industrial relations, marketing, management, public advocacy, coaching and committee meetings
• Be more convincing speakers, using language in a fluent and purposeful manner to persuade an audience
• Meet new people, make new friends and become part of a vibrant, thoughtful and inclusive community

For further information please contact:

Mr Ubaldino Mantelli
Debating & Public Speaking Coordinator
Phone: 5225 4100
Email: geelong.hs@education.vic.gov.au