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During 2008 the debating club saw growth at every level! We increased our membership with many new debaters joining throughout the year. The proof of the talent which exists was evident at our final Pinelands High Internal Debate. With topics such as “Zapiro should be held responsible for the negative connotations of his cartoons” and “Pornography should be illegal”, new debaters were given a platform. Eleven out of the fourteen debaters were new to debating. The adjudicator, Mrs Jeannette Lawrence, was full of praise for the talent in evidence. We have all the essential ingredients now to become a force to be reckoned in 2009.
In the first half of the year our focus will be on the fortnightly Rotary Interschool Debates. In this period we get given topics and have to research them and debate against other schools every second Monday evening. The junior debaters are told beforehand whether they propose or oppose their topic, whereas the senior debaters have to prepare both sides until this is decided, an hour before the actual debate.
Behind the three chosen speakers on the day is a whole team who are involved in brain-storming the topic, researching and gaining comprehension of all perspectives and preparing arguments, counter arguments and the logical flow of the debate.
During 2008, our senior team managed to pull off some impressive wins and drew against Bishops (the reigning champions). Nabeela Kajee had a memorable year, winning “Best Speaker” awards at every one of her debates and Ebrahim Hoosen, last year's Head of Debating, also picked up some noteworthy awards. Our senior teams had a fantastic run. Our juniors did not fare as well although valuable exposure and experience was gained.
Nabeela Kajee and Steven Rybicki represented PHS at the UN Debating competition. In this they were partnered with San Souci and were the bronze medal winners of this prestigious event.
They went on to attend the National Debating Competition held at Parklands High School in which they competed against debaters from all over South Africa.
In the second half of this year, the following activities are planned:
- A Toastmaster's Course
- A House Debating Competition
- Second term final assembly debate
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Clubs and Societies 
