Introduction

This section provides information for those new to debating and those looking to develop their skills. It contains resources for individuals and teams, as well as for teachers considering starting a debating club and existing coaches.

Debating has several different key components and we provide a teaching pack for each area containing session plans and worksheets. We also send a DVD to every secondary school in Scotland, so that those thinking of debating can see a live example of how it all works. This DVD is also used as part of the activites below - creating an integrated package to support debating in Scotland.

Once you have read the How debating works section of the website you can download our learning materials to help develop debating skills:

A. Analysing a motion & identifying key issues
B. Researching a motion
C. Constructing cases and speeches
D. Delivering a speech
E. Putting it all together
F. Great speeches

Each section provides a description of the skills required and activity sheets that can be used by pupils to practise together or by coaches in a debating club.

If you have any suggestions for extra activities then please email us. If we like, we'll create a new activity sheet and even put your name and the name of your school on it.

Simon Quinn's debate handbook

Simon Quinn is a hugely experienced debater from Brisbane who won the best individual speaker prize at both the 1999 and 2000 World Schools Championships and has gone on to coach teams, including the Queensland Schools Team in 2002. We would like to thank Simon for allowing us to link to his materials.

Simon has given us his permission to link to his near-definitive guide to debating skills, tactics, and strategies. This provides a wealth of information on every aspect of debate, and although the format of the competitions which Simon refers to is slightly different to ours (please take care - our tournament rules clearly set out our format), we could not find a better source of information on the general approach to debating.

This is also an invaluable resource for coaches, especially those new to coaching, as it gives insight into the detail of debating - allowing you to give the most possible help to your teams.

Download the debate handbook.