East Rand Primary School Debating Workshop

📅 Wednesday, 15 October 2025 (2:30pm to 5:30pm)

Overview

A practical introduction to debating

This workshop session is the perfect starting point for a school starting a new debating club.

Theory Session

We will start by discussing the debate format and key concepts. We will also work collaboratively to construct a proposition and opposition case for a real debate topic.

Green cardstock box containing white, beige, and brown cards.

Adjudication Training

We will guide all educators through the adjudication process. This will enhance the educator’s ability to coach their students and make it possible for them to run training or inter-house debates within their school.

Green cardstock box open with 50 cards inside.

Practice Debate

Our students will put their new training into action with a real debate. The topic will be given at the event – no prior preparation is necessary. Our educators will work alongside our team to judge these debates.

Detail of white today card, beige next card, and brown someday card with dot grid.

Training Materials

All students and teachers will receive training materials to use in their internal training sessions.

Stack of three green cardstock boxes with 3 hole cutouts showing cards inside.

Ready to Register?

There are two possible divisions:

Group C (Grade 6-7) & Group D (Grade 4-5)

You may enter multiple teams per division. Each team must have 3 speakers.

Each team must be accompanied by at least 1 educator.

Testimonials regarding NDL events

Participating in this made me get out of my comfort zone and challenge myself but it also helped me improve many skills such as public speaking, convincing an audience with strong points to enhance my idea and motion, thinking and working fast and under pressure... I discovered something that I did not know I enjoyed until then and it gave me the opportunity to be around people my age with similar interests, and have a good time with friends while learning.
Ayisha Adriano, Maputo

Debating has shown me that there isn't a direct answer to a problem. You have to think carefully about how you answer and how you can persuade people to believe what you say.
Adam Roussou, Cape Town

The children thoroughly enjoyed the tournaments, where they had the opportunity to meet peers and teachers from other schools. The diverse and engaging topics encouraged them to deepen their general knowledge and think critically about various issues. Through debating, they developed important skills such as public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork.
Aqeela Ahmed, Johannesburg