THE debate team from Pioneer Academy participated in their very first debate tournament, hosted by the Booysens SAPS, on May 20
They competed against six other schools from the area. Learners engaged in several topics regarding peer pressure and drug abuse.
Five learners, Zwotea Mhlongo, Jabulani Mtwa, Thato Chaka, Taskeen Hoosen and Yousha Sader, represented the school and they were not only the youngest team, but they were all first time debaters, with less than a week to prepare. This goes without saying that they made the entire school proud as they talked their way into the semi-finals.
Shelton Hlongwane from Pioneer Academy said: “We have joined the Ridgeway/Ormonde schools cluster to allow us more competition and exposure for our learners as far as debate and public speaking is concerned. We look forward to the growth of our learners in areas of their passion and we will keep scouting out opportunities like these. If this competition and their performance is anything to go by, we are headed for greater heights. We are extremely proud of our team. They have proved one of the teaching principles true and found: children achieve more when their educators hold them to high standards and expectations.”
