Debating Wallabies

Debates are won and lost as teams, rather than as individuals.

Each speaker has their own distinct role that they should fulfil to give their team the best possible chance of getting over the line.

In our Speaker Roles focus, students are taken through each of the main speaker roles – first, second and third – for both the affirmative and negative sides of a debate. Each role is pulled apart into its elements to help students understand not only what that speaker is meant to do, but why those techniques are considered to be persuasive for an adjudicator.

These are then tied to a range of speaking activities and debates, which (together with plenty of personalised feedback) aims 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 and how these relate to each of the speaker roles 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 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

Every Debating Wallabies programme commences with the coach creating a warm and inclusive class atmosphere. They ensure that all students grasp the fundamental rules and concepts of debating, ensuring everyone, no matter their experience level, is fully informed.

The initial sessions also feature various speaking exercises aimed at honing students’ debating skills.

The Core Speaker Roles

Over the course of the term, students will cover first, second and third speakers, from both the affirmative and negative sides of a debate.

Using these roles as a lens, students will also go through fundamental skills like forming criteria, argumentation and rebuttal in a practical manner, helping them feel more comfortable with debating as a whole. 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.

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 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!