Debating Parrots

Delivering a persuasive and powerful argument is the cornerstone of any successful debating speech. Given this, in Term #3, we place an emphasis on exploring Principled Points, how they’re constructed, and how they can be used to captivate audiences and adjudicators alike.

Whilst we look at the other three fundamental elements of debating – cases, rebuttal and speaking manner – the focus of this program is devising persuasive principled points. Building on practical arguments (which are covered in more depth in other focuses), students consider how principled arguments are best structured, how they can be weighed against practical benefits and harms, and what some common principles might look like in a debate.

This program connects theoretical concepts to the real world through engaging activities and debates, ensuring learners are able to apply what they’ve learned. They’ll also receive personalised feedback every step of the way – helping them realise their full potential.

Over the course of the term, students will have the opportunity to:

• learn core introductory theory about ‘Policy’ debates;

• explore case development, argument structure and rebuttal strategies, with a particular focus on principled points;

• deploy what they have learned in at least three in-class debates across the term;

• practice different speaking roles and argue from both affirmative and negative sides of a debate; and

• learn how to work effectively in a team environment!

Our Debating Parrots program is a mixed-level class for students in Years 5 – 7 designed for students starting out in the world of public speaking as well as those with some speaking experience.

Debating Parrots caters for:

• Students who have no (or little) debating experience and/or no (or little) public speaking experience;
• All students in Year 5 & 6 who are interested in learning debating (as the intermediate Debating Pandas program only accepts students from Year 7 onwards);
• Students who have already completed one or more terms of Debating Parrots, but aren’t ready to move up to Debating Pandas (the focus changes every term, students can continue the program for two years with no repetition);
• Students who have done one or more terms of Debating Wallabies, which looks at different types of topics (and so builds a different, if complementary, set of debating skills); and
• Students who have public speaking, but no debating experience (such as completing Public Speaking Penguins, Public Speaking Wombats or Speaking Camp Kangaroos).

We usually recommend that students do at least four terms of Debating Parrots, especially those in Year 5 & 6, before moving up to Debating Pandas to ensure that they cover all the essential concepts inherent to debating and feel comfortable with older students!

Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss what’s best for your child!

Fostering a Nurturing Class Environment

Each program commences with the coach creating a welcoming class environment and ensuring that all students grasp the fundamental rules and concepts of debating – ensuring everyone, regardless of experience, is on the same page.

The initial sessions also incorporate various speaking activities to aid students in honing their debating skills.

Principled Arguments

Over the course of the term, students will dive into the essentials of principled arguments. This includes understanding how to conceive and structure principled points to further strengthen their team’s case. Students will then further develop their argumentation skills by learning and applying common principles – such as freedom of choice – and looking at how these can be balanced against practical harms and benefits.

To ensure these concepts extend past theory, students will regularly participate in interactive activities. This way, students can apply their newfound knowledge in real-time.

Practice Debates

In addition to all the theory, students will have the opportunity to participate in multiple practice debates and speaking activities during the term.  Each debate will be on a different topic, and students will have the opportunity to speak in different roles each time.

End of Term Presentation

Each term ends with a presentation, either to peers or parents (depending on the venue). This is an excellent opportunity for students to showcase what they’ve learned over the course of the term and continue their confidence-building journey.

Students generally spend the last session or two preparing and practising their debating speeches for the presentation.

Coaches will also provide an update to parents on what was covered during the term, as well as what comes next for the students’ debating journeys.

As a mixed-experience program, our Debating Parrots program is designed to be completed multiple times – with a different focus every term, there’s always something new for students to take away from the program!

Alternatively, if your child wants to try public speaking, our Public Speaking Penguins program teaches students all the essential skills they need to become great public speakers!

Once they feel comfortable with debating, coaches may recommend students in Years 6 or 7 (but not students in Year 5) move up to the Intermediate Debating Pandas program, which will help more advanced students engage with more complex concepts alongside older and more experienced debaters.

However, if you’re looking for something during a school break, you may want to try one of our holiday workshops, such as Debating Hawks or Public Speaking Polar Bears (for Year 6 & 7 students), which builds on the skills learned during the term.

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions, or get in touch using our contact form to learn more!