Debating the topic “that modern technology is detrimental to overall personal development”, it became a battle of generations in front of Rotary members and excited family and friends.

Speakers presenting the ‘Government’ side on the Rotary team were Ian Mackenzie-Smith, Margaret Ambrose and Jim Martin with Geoff Latona the “debate support member”. While the year six students who spent delivered the ‘Opposition’ side were Kathryn Banks, Sky Boonan, Carl Williams and Lauren McCaull as the debate support member.

Under the guidance of their teacher, Ms Deb Bowman, the school team spent two weeks working on their argument.

“We made sure we were prepared, we thought through all the rebuttals beforehand,” Ms Bowman said.

Adjudicating the debate was Member for Paterson, Bob Baldwin, who congratulated both sides for the quality of the debate.

“It was a very positive opening address from both debaters. They had obviously researched the subject and presented it well,” he said.

All students in the team hope to continue debating when they start high school next year.

“Debating gives the kids great skills in speaking and presenting,” Ms Bowman said.

“I like debating because I get to talk a lot, I like to act when I’m presenting,” Miss Boonan said.

The Rotary Club plan on officially presenting Tea Gardens Public School with their trophy in front of the school parliament, although according to Rotary, they remain optomisitc that one day the trophy will find a new home with the club.