PUBLIC SPEAKING & DEBATING

Debating

Debating helps students strengthen their public speaking, build confidence, develop analytical skills, and work collaboratively as part of a team. It also provides the opportunity to meet new people and engage in challenging, thought-provoking discussions.

In the Senior School, students can represent the College in four major external competitions:

ISDA Debating Competition (Term 1 and 2 - Fridays)
Archdale Debating Competition (Term 2 and 3 - Tuesdays)
Inner West Debating Competition (Term 3 - Fridays)
University of Sydney Debating Tournament (various throughout year)
The Year 7 Archdale and ISDA teams are selected very early in the year.

In the Junior School, debating is introduced in Years 5 and 6. Year 5 students begin by developing their skills in class and House debating. In Year 6, students train to compete in both ISDA and IPSHA interschool debating.

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FINAL Debating Wrap 2023.mp4

Debating Highlights 2023

DEBATING - NEW.mp4

Debating Highlights 2022

Junior School

Membership: Year 5 Interhouse Debating open to all Year 5, Year 6 via team trials

Cost: Nil

When:

Year 5 - Terms 3 and 4, two mornings before school each week, Year 5 classrooms
Year 6 - Terms 1–3, two mornings before school each week, Year 6 classrooms

Auditions: Trials will be held for Year 6 students early Term 1, a Notice will be sent via PLACES.

Competitions:

• ISDA - Terms 1–2, Friday nights, various locations. Draws here once available

• IPSHA - Terms 2–3, Fridays P5 and P6 , various locations. Draws here once available

Staff:

Year 5 teachers

Coordinator - Ms Marina Mitsinga mmitsinga@plc.nsw.edu.au

*Interhouse Debating is also available for students in Year 5 and 6

Senior School

Membership: Years 7–12 by selection into a team and all students who compete in House Debating

Cost:

Archdale - $250 per season
Inner West Competition - $200
ISDA - $250
Debating Club - Nil When: Terms 1–4, Friday lunchtimes, MSR Level 3

Competition teams are also required to attend two hours of coaching per week usually before or after school as arranged with the team coach, as well as the Debating Club every Friday lunchtime.

Trials:

Year 7, 2027 - sign up via Clipboard
Years 8–12, 2027 - Auditions Registration is on Clipboard

Trial Dates:

Seniors 2027 Trials - Friday 6th November 2026 3.05 pm
Year 10, 2027 Trials - Friday 23rd October 2026 3.05 pm
Year 9, 2027 Trials - Friday 30th October 2026 3.05 pm
Year 8, 2027 Trials - Friday 16th October 2026 3.05 pm
Year 7, 2027 Trials - Friday 29 January 2027 & Tuesday 2 February 2027

Competitions:

Archdale - Tuesdays 3.30–8.30 pm at various locations. Commencing Term 2.
ISDA - Fridays 4.30–9.30 pm at various locations in Term 1.
Inner West Competition - Fridays 4:00 - 8:00pm at various locations in Term 3

Staff: Mrs Lynette Hawkey, lhawkey@plc.nsw.edu.au 02 9704 5786

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