Local high school students will go head to head in the annual Debate Cup at the University of Newcastle Central Coast campus.

Faced with the topics 'bullies should be expelled from schools', 'laptops make life better' and 'teachers should not be allowed to raise their voices to students', the Debate Cup will test students' ability to argue their point, regardless of personal views.

Now in its fifth year, the Debate Cup brings together Year 7 and 8 students from across the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie and as far away as Maitland.

Organiser Deborah O'Neill, from the University's Faculty of Education and Arts, said the event was a lot of fun but also gave students an opportunity to improve their skills.

"It is a chance to test their ability to think critically about an issue, work with their team mates to craft a logical argument and articulate their point.

"Debating day is also a great opportunity for the University to extend links with local schools, and give high school students a taste of life on a university campus."

The debates will be adjudicated by University of Newcastle Bachelor of Education students and representatives from the NSW Department of Education and Training.

The battle for the 2009 Debate Cup will take place at the University of Newcastle, Central Coast campus in Lecture Theatre 2 from 9.15am to 3.30pm, Thursday 10 December.

The Grand Final will be held from 2pm to 3pm. Media are welcome.