Term 1 runs for 8 weeks and students will be introduced to debating skills and terminology whilst preparing for and participating in 2 class debates against their fellow class members. This allows students to build their confidence and familiarity with the formalities of debating.

During Terms 2 to 4, students will work closely with their team and Debating Coach in order to prepare for 2 Online Evening Debates, held each Term. By the end of the year, students will have participated in 8 debates.

Students will learn to define the topic, brainstorm arguments for both the affirmative and negative teams, effectively use a model or counter-model to the student's advantage, rank the arguments, carry out research, use reliable sources, write a powerfully persuasive speech, rebut the opponent’s arguments and deliver their speech with flair.

During class, students will be encouraged to share their ideas, contribute to their team’s case and strengthen their public speaking skills by participating in fun games and activities.

Debating Australia holds a license with Zoom. Students do not need to subscribe to Zoom. Debating Australia issues a Zoom invitation to students.

The Online Evening Debates are held from 6pm on varying weeknights, normally in week 5 and week 10 each School Term. Students will debate against teams from other classes.

Students will be given the opportunity to speak in all speaker positions, during the year, so that they may assess which role best suits their speaking style.

Parents are invited to attend the Online Evening Debates. To ensure child safety, all attendees must be clearly identified before they can be admitted to the online event.

Joining The Online Debating Club allows students to build lifelong skills and gain broad, multi-faceted knowledge which cuts across several disciplines outside their normal academic subjects, in a fun and engaging way.

Overtime, students will see their critical thinking skills improve and their ability to structure and organize their thoughts enhanced. Student's ability to form balanced, informed arguments and to use reasoning and evidence will grow.

Students will build new friendships and consider many different points of view. Debating opens your mind to the world and its many possibilities!

Online classes mean that students can log into their class from anywhere without ever missing a lesson.

Online competitions mean that students can attend even if their family might have other commitments on that night.

Being online means that students could be working with or debating against someone who comes from a very different background to theirs and who brings a fresh and inspired perspective to the topic and issues.