Debate

Junior Debating is hugely popular and competitive in Hong Kong. The Middle School Debate Class will give HKIS students an exciting opportunity to train and grow as debaters, enjoy intellectual challenges, and engage with some of the best young minds across Hong Kong. Hong Kong's debate scene is strong, and through debate, students will develop skills including public speaking, critical thinking, and global awareness that are so essential for success in today’s world.
The group is coached by Perry Ge, former HK National Team co-coach, captain, and development squad coach.
In this class, we will be working on two sets of goals through the year:
Developing core debate skills - critical thinking, knowledge of global issues, argument development & analysis, speaking style & confidence, and debating strategy.
Preparing for competitions - motion prep, research, team strategy, tournament mindsets.
Students will have opportunities to practice full debates and drills in class, and the strongest students may have opportunities to enter competitions to apply the skills they have learned against other schools and teams.
Over the past few years, the Middle School team has performed exceptionally well at tournaments, winning multiple trophies and reaching finals of major tournaments.
We are also delighted that our Middle School debate graduates have continued to develop their interest and thrive after moving on to high school. A number of our alumni are now on the Hong Kong Team or Hong Kong Team Development squad at very young ages, and many of them have also become student leaders of the program in the HKIS High School.
To build on this success, registration this year will continue to involve tryouts instead of being on a first-come first-served basis.
Due to overwhelming demand, we will also be opening additional classes this year, including one specifically for Grade 6 students.

Programs & Registration

Debate - Wednesday (3:15pm - 4:45pm) G6 only REGISTER HERE

Debate - Wednesday (4:45pm - 6:15pm) G7 - G8 REGISTER HERE

Debate - Thursday (3:15pm - 4:45pm) G7 - G8 (Advanced Class) REGISTER HERE

Debate - Thursday (4:45pm - 6:15pm) G7 - G8 REGISTER HERE

*Please note that current Term 1 students will be given priority to re-register for Term 2. Registration forms will only open if spaces are available.

Overview

In the Debate Class, students will train in competitive debating while refining their skills in public speaking, argumentation, thinking on their feet, teamwork, and knowledge of global affairs.
They will practice developing cases for and debating a multitude of topics covering social, political, moral, environmental, economic, and international affairs. As they progress, they will also cover strategies for winning debates, analysing arguments, and employing rhetoric and rebuttal effectively. Classes will include plenty of opportunities to practice full debates, skill-building drills, and debate concepts. There may also be opportunities to enter competitions to apply the skills they have learned against other schools and teams.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Learn fundamental skills of content development, public speaking style, speech structure, and teamwork
Analyse and debate a broad range of topics
Develop an understanding of competitive debate strategies
Work in teams to prepare for and participate in competitive debates