the Junior Debating Academy: a Proof of Concept

In 2022, the Melbourne Debating Academy lead a subdivision pilot program, the Junior Debating Academy. We partnered with Melbourne school St Margaret's Berwick Grammar and delivered a full Lecture and Tournament Series over Term 2 and 3 of the School year to 45 students.

Lecture Series

Students rated the Lecture Series on average 9.34 for overall use and enjoyment out of a possible 10. They similarly indicated 9.69 for engagement, demonstrating the program was exciting and attractive to students as a learning opportunity.

Tournament Series

Students engaged in debate on nuanced issues ranging from justice in the legal system to the societal implications of CCTV and gambling advertisments.

Students relished the opportunity to engage in a Tournament testing their skills and knowledge, scoring it an average 9.63 out of 10.

Adjudicators

Nine adjudicators were trained in house, completing online and in-person training and assessment.

Students scored them at an average 4.58 for friendliness and 4.64 for feedback and competence of a maximal score of 5.

Success

Students rated the Tournament and Lecture Series an average 9.80 out of a possible 10, and many commented that they would be excited to partake in the program again.

Moreover, the School received many positive endorsements of the program by parents and students.