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Debating is an excellent choice for students who like to think on their feet, and analyse or evaluate issues.

This activity helps student to develop their public speaking, impromptu, analytical, and critical skills. They learn to create a complex argument based on underlying values, principles and flow on effects, and engage with the opposition’s argument.

Debating is open to all year levels, with two competition grades: Junior (Years 9–11) and Senior (Years 12–13). Each grade has a novice and experienced section.

Both levels participate in approximately three competition debates per term against other Canterbury schools, which take place early on a Thursday evening.

Meetings and coaching sessions take place during Wednesday lunchtimes. Junior teams are coached by senior debating students, who share their generosity and skill with the oversight of teachers.


At the 2019 Canterbury Schools' Senior Regional Tournament, our debaters won first place.

Co-ordinator: Ms Helaina Coote