‘IT’S Good To Have Siblings’ was the topic for the Year 7 debating final at the Taree Eisteddfod last week.

“They keep you company, keep you entertained and are always there when you need them,” team member Sophia Stubbs said.Speaking for the affirmative, the Bulahdelah Central School (BCS) team presented an argument based on their personal experience, claiming that siblings are amazing.

“Older siblings make good role models, they give great advice and even though you share a common bond, they still allow you to be an individual,” Olivia Smith added.

The girls said their opposition from St Clares High School, argued that friends are just as good as siblings.

BCS also made the finals in the Year 8 competition, tasked with proving that ‘Fairy Tales Are Not Good for Children’ against a team from Taree Christian College.

“Some fairy tales have horrible plots, like the wolf who just wants to eat the Three Little Pigs,” BCS debater Seleana Murphy said.

“They can also put preposterous ideas into young children’s minds, like thinking they can fly like Peter Pan, or by kissing a frog they will win a Prince that they will have forever.”

Coordinating teacher Ms Ros Caro, said although both teams were narrowly defeated in the final round, the debaters became more confident as they progressed through the heats of the competition.

“This allowed our students to shine, they carried themselves with poise and confidence and they had really sound arguments,” Ms Caro said.

“They also showed very good sportsmanship and great maturity.”

Ms Caro said she was also impressed with the Year 9 team who finished third in the Intermediate competition.

The annual Taree and District Eisteddfod is the largest held in Australia, and showcases talent in music, dance, speech and drama.

 

By Daniel SAHYOUN