Debating Wallabies

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:

• learn a range of introductory concepts and principles, including case theory, how to brainstorm arguments, developing persuasive points and rebuttal, focusing on ‘comparative’ type debating topics;
• 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 Wallabies program is a mixed-level class for students in Years 3 & 4, and aims to help:

• Students who have no (or little) debating experience and/or no (or little) public speaking experience;
• Students who have already completed one or more terms of Debating Wallabies, as given the focus changes every term, students can continue the program across Years 3 & 4 with no repetition;
• Students who have participated in any of our other Term Programs (such as Public Speaking Wombats, Presentation Skills Lions or Presentation Skills Leopards); or
• Students who have given our holiday workshops (such as Speaking Camp Koalas or Speaking Camp Kangaroos) a go, and are looking to continue their debating journey!

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!