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The Cape Town Primary Schools Debating League
Build confidence, communication skills, and critical thinking.
💭💬🏆
The Cape Town Primary Schools Debating League
Build confidence, communication skills, and critical thinking.
Learn, Reflect, Iterate
Program Overview
- Welcome & Orientation
We will start the tournament with an orientation session for our adjudication panel and participants. Join as at Western Province Preparatory School on 26 July 2023.
- Debates & Feedback
Topics will be released on 26 July 2023. We will meet for 5 preliminary tournaments. Two judges will assess every round, offering constructive feedback afterwards to promote student growth and improvement.
- The Awards Ceremony
In the program's grand finale, our best two teams will compete for the championship title, followed by an awards ceremony to honor our debaters' accomplishments.
The Johannesburg South Debating League
Testimonials from our Johannesburg series
“At the start of the season the boys were anxious as this was an all-time first for them. The warmth and safe environment offered during the debate season has grown both their confidence and ability. At the start of our term, they were all lined up outside my class (before extra murals began for the term), begging to start debate. It has been such a privilege to both work with you and the other members and then to witness the growth of my learners.”
Norma Eastmure
Debate Coordinator at St Declan's School for Boys
“Glenanda Primary School joined the Johannesburg South Debating League which has proven to be an extremely rewarding experience. The knowledge that the organiser, Mr T. Moodley shared was both conducive and efficacious since it had tips and tricks that helped our learners become successful. By participating in Inter-School competitions, it led them into becoming effective, buddying debaters and very competitive against high profile schools. Our learners' success from this experience has made them confident and conscious of greater expectations. Mr T.Moodley portrays a great deal of knowledge and enthusiasm in what he does.”
Natalie Henning
Debate Coordinator at Glenanda Primary School
An Overview
The Debate Format
Students prepare their cases and speeches before arriving at the tournament. Debates start with a 10-minute revision period. Teams take turns presenting speeches, starting with the first position speaker. Teams may engage with their opponents by countering their arguments and defending their own points when challenged. Additionally, participants can interject with Points of Information (POI) to question their opponents' arguments.
Students are scored on their presentation, content and strategy.
- of debate
- 5 rounds
- per team
- 3 debaters
- per speech
- 4 minutes
The Bigger Picture
Key Outcomes
- Communication Skills
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- Developing strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills is crucial, as it enables students to express their thoughts clearly, listen actively, and respond effectively in various academic, professional, and social situations.
- Critical Thinking and Problem-solving
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- Debating helps students enhance their critical thinking abilities, as they analyze information, evaluate different perspectives, and construct well-reasoned arguments. These skills are essential for academic success and making informed decisions in everyday life.
- Teamwork and Collaboration
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- Through debating, students learn to work closely with teammates, share ideas, and support one another. Developing these interpersonal skills is important for building healthy relationships and succeeding in collaborative environments, both in school and later in life.
- Confidence and Self-esteem
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- Participating in debates can boost students' confidence and self-esteem, as they witness their progress, receive feedback, and learn to express their opinions persuasively.