CQU hosts high school debate
Published on 15 August, 2002
Yeppoon’s St Ursula’s School debated their way to victory at the High School’s Debate Clash at Central Queensland University on Wednesday (14 August).
Seven teams from local high schools participated in the inaugural debating competition sponsored by The James Goldston Faculty of Engineering and Physical Systems at CQU, the Centre for Railway Engineering and The Institution of Engineers Australia.
The Rockhampton Grammar School, Emmaus College, Rockhampton State High School, St Ursula's College and Glenmore State High School participated in the debate on the topic "that aesthetics and engineering are poles apart".
St Ursula's team consisting of Melina Saunders, Anna Waters and Jayne Moyle came out on top, and Jane Moyle also won the Best Speaker Award. Rockhampton Grammar School Team 1 (Megan Kwong, Hannah Titmarsh and Rong Bing) and Rockhampton Grammar School Team 2 (James Lindstrom, Melanie Carseldine and Tara Cheyne) were joint runners-up.
Debate administrator Joan Millar said the competition was judged on a points basis, with the team achieving the highest aggregate mark being declared the winner.
“In addition to trophies and certificates, the competition provided total prize money of $1,000 to the winning and runner-up schools.” The judging panel consisted of Professor Elizabeth Taylor (Dean, Faculty of Engineering & Physical Systems), Carl Brown (Architect), Graham Scott (Engineer), Trevor Rufous (Design Drafter) and Stewart Fletcher (experienced debater).
The debate formed part of the 2002 Queensland Engineering Week activities. Each year the Institution of Engineers, Australia, organises a program of activities to raise the profile of engineering in the wider community and to promote engineering as an exciting and challenging career option for young people. Queensland Engineering Week ran from Saturday 10 August to Saturday 17 August.
Photo: (Back) Associate Professor Peter Wolfs, Director for Centre for Railway Engineering Manicka Dhanasekar, (front) best speaker award winner Jayne Moyle, Anna Waters, Melina Saunders and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Systems Professor Elizabeth Taylor.