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Debate Academy

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The Debate Academy programme offers top quality coaching in debate to all ability levels, delivered by some of the best coaches and debaters in the world. Whether you have little or no experience, or are getting ready for trials for your national debating team, Debate Academy has something to offer you. It also offers the chance for students from a wide range of schools to meet each other, socialise and make friends from around the country and the world.

We offer three distinct courses for 14-18 year olds, as part of the Debate Academy programme. The first is our standard Debate Academy, the second is our World Schools' Debate Academy and the third is Mini Debate Academy. All courses offer the following:

  • A comprehensive and exciting range of workshops tailored to your level and delivered by our expert tutors who are accomplished debaters, coaches and adjudicators (see the faculty page for more information on our coaches).
  • Accessible debate materials, strategies and ideas to take away with you so you can build on the knowledge you gain throughout the programme.
  • Cutting edge lectures from university students and tutors on key areas (Law, Economics, Rights, Feminism, International Relations) which students should know in order to do well at schools debating competitions. These lectures also offer the opportunity to talk to, debate with, and question students from some of the best universities in the country.
  • A guarantee that every student will take part in at least 5 debates over the course of the programme.
  • A range of social activities where students can meet, hang out and have fun with other debaters from across the world.
  • Accommodation, with all meals provided, at Oakham School. The site ensures that all teaching, meals and leisure activities are no more than a five minute walk away.
  • A lot of fun! Whilst the programme is packed with engaging and thought-provoking sessions at all levels, you'll also have time to meet students from across the UK and the world and make a range of new friends. Don't take our word for it, read through the testimonials and make up your own mind!
  • For students from the UK who wish to attend Debate Academy, a range of partial and full bursaries are available for those who would otherwise, due to financial circumstances, be unable to attend.

The Programme Options: 

Debate Academy: 7th-12th August 2013
Venue: Oakham School, Rutland, UK
What to Expect:

  • Six days of coaching in the Schools Mace and British Parliamentary format (the main format used at most schools competitions).
  • In depth training in beginner, intermediate and advanced streams. Regardless of your experience, we can offer training to suit your level.
  • Coaching delivered by our expert faculty which includes former World and European Champions.
  • Participation in at least six debates in both Schools Mace and British Parliamentary formats.
  • Ideal for anyone interested in improving their debating skills in the most common formats used in schools competitions.

Cost: £450

World Schools Debate Academy: 7th-12th August 2013
Venue: Oakham School, Rutland, UK
What to Expect:

  • Six days of intense training in the World Schools Format (this is the format used at the World Schools Debating Championships (WSDC) held annually).
  • Coaching in separate experience streams. Regardless of your experience, we can offer training to suit your level.
  • Training delivered by our expert faculty, including former WSDC winners, current national team coaches, and experiences WSDC participants.
  • Participation in at least six debates in the World Schools Format.
  • Ideal for anyone thinking of trialling for their national team.

Cost: £450

Mini Debate Academy: 9th-12th August 2013
Venue: Oakham School, Rutland, UK
What to Expect:

  • A long weekend coaching in the Schools Mace and British Parliamentary formats (the main format used at most schools competitions).
  • Training in beginner, intermediate and advanced streams. Regardless of your experience, we can offer training to suit your level.
  • Coaching delivered by our expert faculty which includes former World and European Champions.
  • Participation in at least four debates in both Schools Mace and British Parliamentary formats.
  • Ideal for anyone interested in improving their debating skills in the most common formats used in schools competitions.

Cost: £300

Registration for all three courses is now open!

Click here to book your place. 

Places are limited so please register early to avoid disappointment.