Our Debate Format
Learn more about the scoring criteria and structure used in our debates.
We're coming to George!
Join the pilot round of the George Schools Debating League
Over 200 students joined our Cape Town and Johannesburg leagues. Together, they conquered their fears of public speaking and became better listeners and thinkers.
Our George pilot round will give students and teachers the experience needed to establish debate clubs within their schools and prepare for a series of competitive tournaments in 2024.
- 26 October 2023
- 14:00 to 17:30
- Grades 4-12
- Venue TBC
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
Learn, Reflect, Iterate
Program Overview
- Welcome & Orientation
We will start the tournament with an orientation session for our adjudication panel and participants. We'll start with the basics, so no prior debate experience is needed.
- Debates & Feedback
We'll have two competitive debates. We'll work with teachers to create a supportive environment that encourages experimentation.
- The Awards Ceremony
We will recognize the achievements of our new debaters with an awards ceremony. We'll award trophies and medals to our top teams and individuals.
Does your school want to host?
All we'll need is your hall and a few classrooms after school.
Hosting a round will turn your school into the center of an exciting community initiative and makes our debate program accessible to your students. It also presents a great opportunity to show off your school facilities to prospective students and parents.
Join our pilot round,
register today!
No prior debate experience needed.
Feel free to call +27 81 343 9036 or email thishin@ndl.org.za for more information.
- Registration deadline is 20 September 2023
- Students work in teams of three
- We need one teacher per team entered
Reference Resources
Learn more about us and our program
Possible Topics
Our Primary School teams will use topics from our Cape Town Primary Schools Debating League. Our High School teams will use topics from our Johannesburg South Schools Debating League.
Our Team
Learn more about the team behind the National Debating League.