Latest Competition News
Some activity in the Premier's Debating Challenge is postponed to support efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 and maintain the safety and well-being of students and staff. Teams from an area where the current advice is to keep students at home if possible will need to wait before continuing in the competition, and we'll be in touch with teachers as soon as the health advice changes. Teams outside of those areas can continue to debate but must do so online as an added protection against COVID-19. If you have any queries about the competition please contact the Speaking Competitions Officer at (02) 8512 1172 or email debating@det.nsw.edu.au
The 2020 Years 7&8 state champions from Callaghan College Waratah Campus
Last year's competition culminated in an all-regional state final which saw Callaghan College Waratah Campus defeating Armidale Secondary College to become the state champs for 2020 (you can watch the entire final below.) Congratulations to both of those schools and to all of our quarter finalists in 2020 - Denison College Bathurst Campus, Elderslie High School, Lambton High School, Mount View High School, Penrith High School and Smiths Hill High School.
We'd also like to acknowledge the achievements of the ten regional champions from the 2020 season.
| Hunter/Central Coast | Callaghan College Waratah Campus |
| Illawarra & South East | Smiths Hill High School |
| New England | Armidale Secondary College |
| North Coast | Maclean High School |
| Northern Sydney | Cammeraygal High School |
| Riverina | Hay War Memorial High School |
| Sydney | Rose Bay Secondary College |
| South Western Sydney | Elderslie High School |
| Western NSW | Denison College Bathurst Campus |
| Western Sydney | Penrith High School |
Years 7&8 Information
Founded in 1998 with the support of the Centenary of Federation, this level of the competition originally emphasised the ability of students to research a particular area. In the first few years, these areas were predominantly Australian history and civics. Since 2001 topics have covered a wide range of contemporary issues of relevance to junior secondary students. The 10 successful regional teams attend a 3 day championships camp, including workshops with some of the state's most experienced adjudicators.
You can check out the list of past state champions by clicking here, and you can watch the 2020 final below or go to Vimeo to watch the debate. There you'll have more options like being able to download the video or jump between speakers by clicking on their times. Congratulations again to these debaters and everyone who made the competition such a success.
