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Things to consider when hosting a debate
Things to consider when hosting a debate
The Speaking Competitions Hub contains all the information you'll need to host a debate, including Chairperson scripts and competition information guides.
Please note that the advice below is general advice only. Consider the requirements of your competition when organising a debate.
Selecting a time
Selecting a time
You should first liaise with the opposing school to come up with at least three dates and times when the debates could be hosted, before engaging an adjudicator to determine their availability.
You should also consider:
travel time for the visiting school
your availability and class cover
your break times (you want to avoid a bell going off mid-debate if they can't be shut off!)
an audience (it is always preferable for students to debate in front of a classroom audience, if possible)
noise levels (if you are debating during a break, residual noise can make it very difficult for the teams and adjudicator to hear, causing disruption and even complaints later on).
Booking an adjudicator
Booking an adjudicator
Consider the following when you are booking adjudicators:
It is strongly recommended that you get availability from your frequently used adjudicators prior to locking in dates with other schools. Refrain from advertising for an adjudicator at a specific date and time, as these in-person debates can be very difficult to cover mid-season.
Keep your adjudicator in the loop, confirming the time, date and location once it's been decided.
Make sure you use the list of adjudicators you receive from your competition organiser. This will ensure they are qualified and cleared to work in schools.
If a person you contact indicates that they are no longer adjudicating, make sure you let your competition organiser know so they can update their master list.
If you have followed this advice and are still having trouble booking an adjudicator for the Premier's Debating Challenge, you can book an online adjudicator (while still hosting the away school in-person or online) or get in touch with the team to request help booking an in-person adjudicator.
Timing for a primary debate
Timing for a primary debate
You should allow for around 2.5 hours to host a primary debate where students have one hour of preparation time.
Approximate timing might be:
Topic selection and/or affirmative and negative allocation (10 mins)
Take each team to their prep room (10 mins)
Preparation time (60 mins)
Students to debate room and audience to be seated/settled (5 mins)
The debate (30 to 40 mins)
Deliberation and oral adjudication (10 to 15 mins)
Post-debate snacks and feedback from adjudicator (20 mins)
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