Cape Town Extended Season
The “Extended Season” will run through the second half of the year and consist of three tournaments. It gives schools a chance to deepen the experience of their speakers or train new competitors for 2025.
Register for our 2024 season by 14 August 2024.
Participation is open to Grades 4 to 12. Entry is open to any school in Cape Town – not just the 45 schools in our main Cape Town league.
Navigation
Learn, Reflect, Iterate
Program Overview
- Welcome & Orientation
We will start the league 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 meet for 3 tournaments consisting of 2 debates each. We'll work with teachers to create a supportive environment that encourages experimentation. Each debate will have at least two adjudicators.
- The Finals & Awards
Certificates, medals, and trophies will be awarded to our top performing teams and individuals. Our top 4 teams in each division will be invited to the National Championship.
Frequently asked questions
Have a different question and can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Reach out to our team by sending us an email or call 081 343 9036.
- What are the age divisions?
- Team members do not have to be from the same grade. We divide teams into the following divisions:
- Group A: Grade 10+
- Group B: Grade 8-9
- Group C: Grade 6-7
- Group D: Grade 4-5
- Does everyone debate at the same time?
- No. The younger division always debates first. When they aren't speaking, debaters watch and support other teams from their own school.
- At high school tournaments Group A prepares for their debate while Group B speaks.
- When do students prepare?
- Group B-D teams will recieve their topics and sides in advance. They will therefore prepare before arriving at the tournament.
- Group A teams will recieve their topics in advance but will not recieve their sides. They will have an hour to prepare at the tournament.
- For some Group A rounds teams will recieve only a 'Topic Area' and will discover the exact wording of the topic at the tournament.
- How many students can a team involve?
- In each debate, a team will have only three speakers. You are welcome to change your speakers from round to round. Group A teams (Grade 10+) may have multiple members preparing with them.
- Are there alternatives ways to involve students?
- Yes. Every team needs to bring an additional student. That person will either be the timekeeper or chairperson for the debate.
- High school students may also register as adjudicators at our primary school rounds. They will have to attend our adjudication workshop in advance and will always be paired with 2 educators.
- What are the staffing requirements?
- Every school needs to bring at least one teacher to supervise their group, even if they aren't an adjudicator.
- Schools generally provide teachers to adjudicate debates. One adjudicator makes it possible to enter one team in each division.
- Eg: 2 adjudicators enables the entry of 2 x Group A and 2 x Group B teams.
- Are teams allowed to access the internet during a debate?
- No. Using a device capable of connecting to the internet or recieving messages may lead to the entire team being disqualified from the round. This also applies to Group A teams preparing at the tournament.
- We will provide stopwatches in every debate room to minimise the need for phones.
- Can we bring spectators?
- Yes. Schools will be responsible for the conduct of their guests. Teachers, parents and fellow students are always welcome.
- Are there avenues for further competition?
- Yes. The top 4 teams in each division will recieve an invitation to our national championship for primary and high schools.
- High school teams may be interested in joining us at the 2025 Pan-African Debating Championship in Cape Town.
- We are also working on plans to create debate tours to other provinces.