We communicate with others all the time, whether face to face or online. Now, more than at any other time in history, good communication is vital in everyday life. This is one reason the art of debating is so valuable. Debating is a formal way of communicating. It builds confidence and self-esteem and develops critical thinking and reasoning skills.

Debating is a fun activity here at North Geelong Secondary College and has been running for over a decade now. We have senior debating teams for Years 9 to 12, which start in the first semester. The junior debating team offers training to all Year 7 and 8 students who want to learn how to debate and starts in the second half of the year, semester two. Training is provided by North Geelong Secondary College as well as the Debating Association Victoria, free of charge.

Students attend meetings during lunchtime on campus, once a week (sometimes twice a week close to competitions if necessary). They also attend the debating competitions, which are held in the evening at a school in Geelong. In 2024, the competitions for the seniors are held at Geelong Grammar in Corio and the junior competition is held at Clonard College in Herne Hill. Students make their own way to the competitions in the evening with their parents or guardians.

Time commitment for senior teams

Debating involves a commitment of 1-2 hours at 5 preliminary debating rounds held during March-August, followed by a knockout finals series beginning in mid-August and culminating in the Grand Final in October. Teams will also be expected to organise time to prepare their speeches ahead of time for prepared topic rounds.

Teams will be allocated to 7pm or 8pm time slots for the preliminary rounds. For prepared topic rounds, students are expected to arrive 10-15 minutes before debates. For secret and advised topic rounds, topics are released one hour prior to debates, so students should arrive 70-75 minutes prior to debates. Debates usually run for 45-60 minutes.

Time commitment for junior teams

Debating involves a commitment of 1-2 hours at 1 training session and 3 debating rounds held during September to December. Teams will also be expected to organise time to prepare their speeches ahead of scheduled events for the prepared topic rounds.

Teams will be allocated to 7pm or 8pm time slots for the preliminary rounds. For prepared topic rounds, students are expected to arrive 10-15 minutes before debates. Debates usually run for 45-60 minutes.

The Debating Coordinator is always available to help anyone who would like to become a debater both during and outside of competitions.