The Australian Disputes Centre’s Schools Invitational Debating Competition is a unique opportunity for year 10 students to learn and develop their debating and collaborative skills. This is a pro bono competition offered to public and private schools. Students compete in mixed school teams.

Debating teaches students how to find their voice, communicating their thoughts and ideas as a public speaker, how to think on their feet and effectively construct a persuasive argument.

Since the inaugural competition in 2014, ADC has been thrilled to see the level of enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by our young participants. In 2023 we are excited to extend the competition to schools nationally.

Download the ADC Schools Invitational Debating Competition flyer here »

Competition 2023

The ADC is excited to confirm that the 10th Annual ADC Schools Invitational Debating Competition will be held in hybrid mode, both online and at the Australian Disputes Centre’s office located in the Sydney CBD, on Thursday evenings, 27 July – 31 August 2023, from 5.15pm – 6.30pm.

The Grand Final is scheduled for 31 August. We conclude the competition by celebrating and recognising students’ achievements with a keynote address by a Special Guest from the Legal Community, certificates for award winners and all participants, and the winner’s silver trophy.

We invite Principals, teachers and parents to join us in person or online throughout the competition, but especially on the night of the Grand Final to support our enthusiastic participants.

ADC is excited with the expanded Debating Competition in 2023, and is looking forward to welcoming a keen group of your Year 10 students for this collaborative, fun and truly unique competition.

Participants

Year 10 Students – 4 students from each school. 3 students debating, rotating with a reserve/support member each session. The supporter on the night will be engaged in the preparation and feedback sessions, but may not be speaking.

Teams

Teams are mixed e.g. 4 students from 4 different schools make up one team.

Theme

New weekly themes on our Facebook page every Monday prior to the debate.

Coaches

Volunteer university debaters and junior lawyers.

Sessions

4 preliminary rounds, plus Semi Final and Grand Final.

Dates

27 July – 31 August 2023, i.e. 6 consecutive Thursdays.

Time

5.15 pm to 6.30pm.

Online Platform

Zoom Professional

Finals

Grand Finalists Announcement – 31 August (session may be extended to 7.00pm) The Grand Final will be held on 31 August.

Awards:

  • Certificate of Participation [awarded by the CEO of ADC]
  • School Collaboration & Collegiality Award [awarded by the students]
  • Student Collaboration & Collegiality Award [awarded by the coaches]
  • Overall Best Speaker [awarded by the principal adjudicator]
  • Grand Team Award [awarded by the principal adjudicator]
  • Plus many more fun awards.

No Cost

ADC provides this programme pro-bono. There is no cost to schools.

RSVP

19 July 2023