Year 5 Spring Debate Championships

Our Spring competition lasts from 9.30am-3.30pm and involves three rounds of debating, a workshop and lunch. State schools only.

This competition is for Year 5 pupils. No experience is required, although we recommend you do several practice debates with them in advance.

Friday March 27th, 9.30am-3.30pm.

Teams of three, all teams do three debates. There will also be a workshop after round 1.

In each debate, every speaker gives one speech lasting no more than three minutes.

There are two teams in every debate: one in support of the motion and one against.

Students are given the motion 15 minutes before the debate and must prepare in their team, with no internet access or teacher help.

Rounds are power paired: teams compete against teams on the same number of wins as them.

It is a content first format. We look for strong arguments, with good explanation and reasoning. Style matters, but is secondary to content.

Debates are adjudicated by South Hampstead High School’s debaters, who are all experienced in competitive debating.

This event is free to enter. Lunch is provided.

The location is South Hampstead High School, 3 Maresfield Gardens, London, NW3 5SS.

I just wanted to say a huge thanks to you and the rest of the staff (and students) who ran the debate competition. It was a fantastic event as always and I know the huge amount of time and effort that must go in to running such a big event. I feel very fortunate that we get to go to these brilliant competitions for free!

– Coleridge Primary School