School debating workshops run by facilitator Mrs Jan Rose from Bingara, as well as participation in a Department of Education and Communities Arts Unit Debating workshop have developed vital skills in students such as brainstorming, structuring arguments and a team line, rebutting and team work.

Wellington Public School teacher Mrs Beth Tickle has taken on the role of coaching the debating team, which varies from round to round, to allow the maximum number of students a chance to showcase their skills.

To date, the Wellington side has had two wins from two debates.

The first debate was against Dubbo Public School on the topic 'that Australia needs a new flag'.

This debate was held in Dubbo and hosted by Dubbo Public. Wellington took the negative side on this occasion.

The most recent debate was against Orana Heights Public School, Dubbo on the topic 'that primary school children should have a Facebook page'.

Hosted by Wellington and staged in the Gould League Hall, this debate was adjudicated by local identities, Mrs Chick Jones and Sir Robert Woods.

The adjudicators were highly-impressed with the skills of both teams and gave very positive feedback.

"It was wonderful to see families and friends in the audience as well as many Stage 3 students watching their peers in the debating team acting as role models and bringing glory to their school," Mrs Tickle said.

The final debate on the topic 'that the internet is the best source of information for students' will be held at Wellington Public School with the opponents coming from Dubbo West Public School.

The Western Challenge has been an excellent opportunity to build public speaking and debating skills, and has offered an outstanding chance to be part of an engaging competition that includes 36 teams from 27 schools within the Western region.