Weekly Debate Club: Argue, Rebut and Win

Weekly Debate Club gives curious, opinionated kids a structured place to argue well. Each session centres on a fresh, age-appropriate motion, such as whether schools should have longer recess or whether zoos do more good than harm, and learners are assigned to a side.

They learn to build a short case using a claim, reason and example, then practise listening carefully so they can rebut what the other side actually said. Rounds are short and lively, with time to prepare in teams, deliver speeches and hear specific feedback on clarity and logic. Respectful disagreement is the rule, so learners practise challenging ideas, never people.

How classes work

This is a drop-in weekly club, so new learners can join any week. Each 45-minute session introduces a new motion and skill focus, gives teams time to prepare a case, and finishes with a short practice debate and feedback. No prior sessions are needed to take part.

What we'll cover

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  Session theme 1: Claim, Reason, Example: Building a Case – Learners take a fun motion, sort arguments for each side, and build two strong points using a claim, a reason and an example.

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  Session theme 2: Rebuttal Rumble: Answering the Other Side – Learners practise listening for the opponent's key point, then respond with a clear, polite counter-argument in quick-fire rounds.

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  Session theme 3: Evidence Detectives: Facts versus Opinions – Learners sort statements into fact and opinion, learn why evidence persuades, and strengthen a case with relevant examples.

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  Session theme 4: Think on Your Feet: Impromptu Debate – Learners get a surprise motion, prepare in a few minutes with a partner, and debate it while practising calm, confident delivery.

No experience needed. Learners should be able to read short texts and jot quick notes, and need a device with camera and microphone, paper and a pencil.