Greenpoint wins 2020 inter-schools debate challenge

WAR OF WORDS: Adjudicator Inga Twane from Walter Sisulu University explains the rules during the fourth annual Inter- Schools Debating Competition Picture :SIVENATHI GOS

Pupils argue mother-tongue teaching theme

Schools from around East London participated in the fourth annual Inter- Schools Debating Competition at Buffalo City Tvet College last Friday. The competition saw 12 schools debating the theme: “Mother-tongue-based teaching and learning: Implications for the education system in Eastern Cape and South Africa”. Greenpoint Secondary School were crowned this year’s champions, dethroning Centre of Excellence High School.

They received a voucher worth R,7500 from Jeppe College.
“Debating competitions help pupils develop communication and speaking skills in order to improve their educational achievements. These debates are also intended to help pupils learn how to undertake research, organise information and present and defend ideas persuasively and respectfully.

“Debaters are encouraged to work together as a team and help one another reach their
maximum potential,” Community Action Africa director Musa Sebugwawo said. Buffalo City College principal Dharamchand Singh discussed the link between mother-tongue and educational achievements.

“I believe pupils will benefit [from lessons in their mother-tongue], as it will prevent distortions in their learning.

“They will enjoy school more and feel at home, and also show more increased selfe-steem,”
Singh said.

Department of education (DoE) chief director of statutory and advisory services Naledi Mbude also gave her two cents on the topic.

“The language element is the key in terms of learning, particularly for subjects like
mathematics and physical science. Pupils view these two subject as difficult, and they are not.”

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