Masterclass on debating education for teachers

Teachers from towns around the region met in Narrabri recently to take part in an ‘Introduction to Debating Pedagogy’ course run by the Sydney-based Masters Academy, well known for their sponsorship of the NSW Premier’s Debating Competitions in NSW Public Schools.

The Premier’s Debating Challenge is the largest student debating competition in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the reasons for holding the professional development day in Narrabri was to encourage more regional public schools to take part in the competition by upskilling local teachers.

“We travelled to Narrabri to provide training for teachers on how to equip the next generation with the persuasive communication skills, critical thinking and confidence they will need to effectively participate in an increasingly complex and polarised world,” said Masters Academy managing director, James Smith.

Carmel Schwager from Wee Waa High School is the Premier’s Debating Challenge regional coordinator (secondary) for New England and was pleased to join Narrabri High School to host Masters Academy and teachers from around the region.

“The Principal of Wee Waa High School, Annabel Doust, supported me in taking on the regional coordination role for secondary schools because we recognised the importance of further developing public speaking skills in our students,” said Mrs Schwager.

“Traditionally the tyranny of distance means it’s very difficult to access quality public speaking professional development for teachers, so it’s great that James and Matt from Masters came to us.”

The course gives teachers at regional schools the necessary tools, including the latest in teacher training and resources to set up effective coaching programs and inspire emerging young speakers.

A highlight of the day for the Narrabri High School years 9 and 10 team in the Premier’s Debating competition and their coach Librarian Di Mcgann, was spending time with James Smith and learning about further opportunities available at State level in the competition.

James Smith is no stranger to the issues faced by teacher debating coordinators in regional areas.

“Although most of our client schools and competitions are in the Sydney area, we make numerous trips into the regions each year and work with teachers in professional development courses,” said Mr Smith.

“While we now have over 1000 students participating in our extra-curricular programs held in schools around Sydney, the indirect impact we’ve made through teacher training courses into their classrooms has been many times larger.”