At Calvary, debating isn’t just about standing up and arguing a point - it’s a chance for students to develop skills that will benefit them for life. Whether they’re completely new to debating or have been at it for a few years, students quickly learn that debating is about much more than just talking. It’s about collaboration, critical thinking, and, above all, growing in confidence. And at Calvary, we make sure every student feels supported and encouraged throughout their debating journey.

Teamwork Makes the Difference
For many Year 5 and 6 students, debating at Calvary is their first real taste of formal debate, and they often think they already know how to argue. But what they quickly discover is that debating is a whole new world. “We work with them on research skills, critical thinking, and preparing rebuttals,” explains Mrs Damianopolous. “They learn to work together as a team, solving problems and figuring out how to respond to the other side’s arguments.”

The teamwork aspect is what really sets debating at Calvary apart. Students don’t have to face the challenge alone - they know their team has their back. “You see the students collaborating, whispering ideas, and reaching over each other's desks to help write a rebuttal. That’s where the magic happens - when they support each other and really start thinking on their feet,” Mrs Winton added.

And it’s not just about standing up and speaking. Even the smaller roles like timekeeper or chairperson let students ease into the experience before taking on bigger speaking responsibilities. As they gain confidence, they move up to roles like first or second speaker, where they get to put their newly developed rebuttal skills into action.

From Nervous to Confident: The Growth Journey

Debating at Calvary is all about growth. It’s not just about winning a debate or proving a point - it’s about seeing the students transform. “They often start out nervous, but after a couple of debates, they’ll say, ‘Oh, I nailed it,’” Mrs Buthmann shared. “The growth from Year 5 to Year 6 is incredible, and it’s definitely one of my favorite things to watch.”

What’s even better is that the skills they learn during debating at Calvary don’t just stay on the debate floor. Students start applying these skills to their writing and public speaking in other subjects. “Their persuasive writing is next level,” Mrs Winton explained. “They know how to use strong sentence starters and structure their arguments, and you can see their confidence grow as they realize they have something important to say.”

At Calvary, debating isn’t just about talking - it’s about learning to communicate a message with confidence. And once students make that leap, it’s amazing to see the transformation.

Parents and Community: The Backbone of Debating at Calvary

Debating at Calvary wouldn’t be what it is without the incredible support of parents and the broader community. “Parents are always there, not just as the taxi drivers but as cheerleaders,” Mrs Buthmann explained with a smile. “They support their own kids, but they’re also encouraging the other students on the team. It’s really heartwarming to see.”

This sense of community is a big part of what makes debating at Calvary so special. Whether it’s a win or a loss, the students walk away with a sense of accomplishment because they know they’ve grown as individuals. The support from their parents, teachers, and peers only adds to that feeling of success.

The Future of Debating at Calvary

As for the future of debating at Calvary? It’s looking brighter than ever. There’s already talk about forming a junior debating team because younger students - especially the siblings of current debaters - are so keen to get involved. “We’re already seeing the excitement from younger students who watch their siblings and can’t wait for their chance to join in,” Mrs Buthmann mentioned. “By the time they hit Year 5, they’ll be ready to go!”

Calvary’s success in local competitions also speaks volumes. Competing against some of the top schools in the area, Calvary’s teams, including the Year 7s who tackle quick-prep debates, have shown they’re up for the challenge. “It’s a real indicator of how strong our debating program is. And win or lose, the students are just excited to get up there and present,” Mrs Winton added.

At the end of the day, debating at Calvary is more than just an extracurricular activity—it’s a platform for growth, learning, and building confidence. Every student, whether they’re just starting or have been debating for years, is given the tools and support they need to succeed. With the guidance of passionate teachers, the support of parents, and the encouragement of their peers, these students are learning skills that will serve them well beyond the debate stage. At the end of the day, that’s what makes debating at Calvary so special—it's not just about the debate, it’s about the journey.

For more information about Debating at Calvary email: info@calvarycc.qld.edu.au

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