Wednesday
4:30PM - 6:30PM
24th July - 25th September
9 Weeks
$500 $450
Debating Wallabies is a great way for mid-primary students to take their first steps into the world of debating!
Student to Teacher Ratio 9:1Give students an introduction to the essential elements of value debates, including cases, point structure, rebuttal and persuasive speaking.
Focus in on a specific concept in more depth each term in a welcoming & supportive environment.
Provide students the opportunity to participate in a range of debates on different topics across the term.
Wednesday
4:30PM - 6:30PM
24th July - 25th September
9 Weeks
$500 $450
Tuesday
3:50PM - 5:50pm
23rd July - 17th September
8 Weeks
$540 $480
Wednesday
4:30PM - 6:30pm
24th July - 25th September
9 Weeks
$600 $540
Thursday
4:30PM - 6:30PM
1st August - 26th September
9 Weeks
$585
Friday
3:50PM - 5:50pm
26th July - 20th September
8 Weeks
$540
Friday
4:00PM - 5:30PM
26th July - 20th September
8 Weeks
$441
Saturday
1:00PM - 3:00pm
27th July - 21st September
9 Weeks
$540
Saturday
2:30PM - 4:00PM
27th July - 21st September
9 Weeks
$360
Saturday
3:00PM - 4:30PM
27th July - 21st September
9 Weeks
$360
Bookings are now open for Term #3!
Please note that Castle Hill classes will not run on 3 August 2024. The pricing has taken this into account.
Merged with our former Debating Wolverines program.
Key Features
Term Focuses
Whilst Debating Wallabies always covers the essential concepts involved in value debating – cases, arguments and rebuttal – 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.
The bread and butter of all debates is the art of argumentation. It’s never enough just to negate the other side – you need to be able to prove that your side of the topic is correct by providing the adjudicator with as many persuasive points as possible.
Our Term #3 program emphasises Debating Arguments in ‘Comparative’ type debates. In addition to looking at the fundamentals of cases, rebuttal and persuasive debating (which are covered every term), students will also take a much closer look at both how to devise persuasive arguments, as well as how to prepare and deliver convincing points.
These are then tied to a range of speaking activities and debates, which (together with plenty of personalised feedback) aim to help them put these concepts into practice.
Over the course of the term, students will have the opportunity to:
Our Debating Wallabies program is a mixed-level class for students in Years 3 & 4, and aims to help:
We usually recommend that students continue with Debating Wallabies throughout Years 3 & 4 – there is a different focus every term, so there’s always something new for students to learn!
Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss what’s best for your child!
Fostering a Nurturing Class Environment
Each Debating Wallabies program starts out with the coach facilitating a welcoming class environment and ensuring that all students are across 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.
Comparative Debating Concepts
Over the course of the term, students will learn about the fundamentals of comparative debates, including how to structure cases, rebuttal and first-speaker speeches.
The main focus of the term, however, will be on argumentation – specifically, how to come up with arguments, how to structure arguments and how to weigh arguments against one another.
These concepts will be paired with interactive activities that will be accompanied by constructive feedback so that students can apply what they are learning to gain a deeper understanding.
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 Wallabies 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 Wombats program teaches students all the essential skills they need to become great public speakers!
However, if you’re looking for something during a school break, you may want to try one of our holiday workshops, such as Speaking Camp Kangaroos, 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!
The course is excellent for kids to build up confidence and skills to speak in front of public, my 8 year old kid gains a lot of benefits from this course, he'll definitely continue this course next year.
Under the circumstances with Coronavirus, I feel that the staff handled the situation very well. They kept me informed about measures put into place to safe guard and keep students at Burwood Campus safe.
The program is very well structured and delivered effectively for my twins to build on their Debating Skills. Zoom lessons were very well organized and with no drawbacks.
Thank you all for your great work with all the students!
Of the dozens of Wallabies students surveyed in 2023...
had fun!
felt more confident!
improved their speaking manner!
wanted to come back next time!