Debating Pandas

Debating hinges on the collaborative efforts of teams, with adjudicators valuing the collective over individual input. Whilst each speaker is required to give their own distinct speech, they all have a vital role in propelling their team towards victory.

Within our Fulfilling Speaker Roles module, students explore the essential roles of speakers – first, second, and third – in debates, taking into account both the affirmative and negative perspectives on all three. Each role is thoroughly examined to help students understand not only the speaker’s duties but also the persuasive strategies crucial for impressing adjudicators.

These concepts are then linked to various speaking activities and debates, with the addition of lots of personalised feedback. This approach is designed to assist individuals in applying these ideas effectively.

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

• acquire a variety of fundamental concepts and principles and understand their connection to each speaker’s role in a debate;
• gain lots of exposure to speaking activities, which will help them build confidence and develop good speaking habits and techniques; and
• practice their budding skills in a supportive environment, alongside peers of a similar age and ability level.

Our Debating Pandas program is a mixed-level class for students in Years 6 – 8 designed for students starting out in the world of debatin as well as those with some speaking experience.

Debating Pandas caters for students in Years 6 and 7 who:

• have completed one or more terms of Debating Parrots (or our Speak Out Hummingbirds or Debating Hawks holiday workshop) and have been recommended to move up by their coach;
• have completed one or more terms of Debating Pandas, and haven’t yet been recommended for the more advanced Debating Club program (which is available for Year 7+); and
• are part of their interschool debating team, or have received formal training from another provider, but are still in primary school (and so cannot yet join Debating Club).

Additionally, Debating Pandas caters for students in Year 9 who:

• have public speaking, but little (or no) debating experience (such as completing Public Speaking Penguins);
• have completed one or more terms of Debating Pandas, and haven’t yet been recommended for the more advanced Debating Club program (which is available for students in Year 8); and
• are part of their interschool debating team, or have received formal training from another provider, but are still looking for more of the fundamentals (and so cannot yet join Debating Club).

We usually recommend that students do at least four terms of Debating Pandas, and especially students in Year 6, before moving up to Debating Club to ensure 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

Every program begins with the coach establishing a warm class atmosphere and ensuring all students understand the fundamental rules and concepts of debating – ensuring everyone, regardless of experience, is on the same page.

The introductory sessions also include a range of speaking activities to help students understand the essential elements of debating.

Fulfilling roles in a debate

Throughout the term, students will examine in depth the roles of first, second, and third speakers and the best ways to fulfil each role’s aims. They aim to comprehend each position from both the affirmative and negative angles of a debate.

Leveraging these roles as a foundation, students will hone vital skills – such as constructing cases, presenting arguments, and delivering rebuttals – through each speaker role. Each session is supplemented with a range of practical activities to make sure that students can bring their newfound knowledge to life!

Practice Debates

Alongside theoretical learning, students will engage in various practice debates and speaking exercises throughout the term. Each debate will cover a distinct topic, allowing students to take on different roles and enhance their speaking skills.

Final Presentations

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 couple of sessions preparing and practising their speeches for the presentation.

As a mixed-experience program, our Debating Pandas 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 is in Year 6 or 7 and 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 7 or 8 (but not students in Year 6) move up to the Advanced Debating Club 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, Practice Debates or Public Speaking Polar Bears, 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!