"It has been several years since Quirindi High School has been able to field a team in the senior round of the Premier’s Shield Debating competition, so it is fantastic to see a team formed for 2018," said coach Mr Owen.

The quartet worked successfully together in the Year 9/10 Debate team in 2017, developing into a formidable foursome. 

On Monday, QHS hosted Duval High School - Armidale in Round 1 of this year's competition. 

The debate topic was, “Scripture should be banned in Government schools” saw Quirindi draw the affirmative. 

 "From this point each team had only 1 hour to prepare, and are not allowed any help from their team coach," Mr Owen said.

Emily Cronin opened the Debate establishing a solid team argument. 

 Second QHS speaker, Lia Robertson built the team’s case and was successful in her rebuttal of the oppositions arguments. 

Josie Saunders proved a very strong QHS third speaker, tearing down the opposition arguments with logic.

Grace Pezzuto artfully performed the role of the 4th speaker - which is to help prepare counter arguments for team use.

Adjudicator on the day was the experienced Mr Rob Lewis, who was suitably impressed by the standard of both teams. 

"Quirindi won the debate by being a stronger team and having more depth to their case than Duval was able to provide."

Fellow QHS teacher Mr Chambers’ Yr 10 class were the audience.

"I was impressed by the high standard of intellectual augments each side put forward, with only one hour spent in preparation," Mr Chambers said.

The QHS Senior Debate team, will travel to Uralla next term to debate against Uralla Central School.