Debating Parrots is the ideal course for students who are looking to lock in the fundamental skills of debating.
Student to Teacher Ratio 9:1Give students an introduction to the basic concepts of policy debating, including cases, point structure and rebuttal.
Provide students with a range of opportunities to participate in practice debates.
Allow students to build their confidence and practice their skills over the course of the term.
Wednesday
4:30PM - 6:30PM
31st July - 25th September
9 Weeks
$450
Thursday
4:30PM - 6:30PM
25th July - 26th September
9 Weeks
$500 $450
Monday
3:50PM - 5:50PM
22nd July - 16th September
8 Weeks
$540 $480
Wednesday
4:30PM - 6:30pm
24th July - 25th September
9 Weeks
$600 $540
Wednesday
4:30PM - 6:00PM
24th July - 25th September
9 Weeks
$450 $405
Thursday
4:00PM - 6:00PM
1st August - 26th September
9 Weeks
$540
Thursday
4:30PM - 6:30PM
1st August - 26th September
9 Weeks
$585
Saturday
1:00PM - 3:00pm
27th July - 21st September
9 Weeks
$540
Saturday
3:00PM - 5:00PM
20th July - 14th September
8 Weeks
$540 $480
Saturday
4:10PM - 5:40PM
27th July - 28th September
10 Weeks
$450
Bookings are now open for Term #3!
Merged with our former Debating Pelicans program.
Key Features
Term Focuses
Whilst Debating Parrots always covers the fundamental concepts involved in policy debating, the focus of the program changes every term, with the following emphases for 2024:
While it’s recommended that students try each of these focuses, and the emphases change each year, there is no particular need to start with any of them, meaning students are welcome to join at any time!
More Information
Term #3 runs from mid-July to mid-September each year.
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 Practical 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 points, looking particularly at practical arguments (rather than principled arguments, which are covered in another focus), how they’re structured and how they should be weighed against one another.
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:
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:
We usually recommend that students do at least four terms of Debating Parrots, especially those in Year 5, 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 starts with the coach facilitating a welcoming class environment and ensuring that all students understand the fundamental rules and concepts involved with debating – making sure everyone, regardless of experience, is up to speed. The early sessions also involve a range of speaking activities that help students develop their debating skills.
Practical Arguments
Over the course of the term, students will dive into the essentials of practical arguments. This includes understanding how to conceive and structure practical points to further strengthen their team’s case. Students will then further develop their argumentation skills by learning and applying stakeholder analysis to their points.
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 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!
My son joined the Debating Parrots program last term and it was an enlightening experience. He gained good knowledge on how to structure his debate and understand the rebuttal types. There was lots of practice and good constructive feedback provided to him by his Coach Alex. It was time well spent and Gurkiret always looked forward to the weekly sessions. He learnt and had fun along the way. Looking forward to the next term.
My son enrolled for the first time and we are very happy with his progress even if it is was online session.
The review provided post first term is very helpful for improving his skills.
Of the dozens of Parrots students surveyed in 2023...
had fun!
felt more confident!
improved their speaking manner!
wanted to come back next time!
