Debating helps students strengthen their public speaking, build confidence, develop analytical skills, and work collaboratively as part of a team. It also provides the opportunity to meet new people and engage in challenging, thought-provoking discussions.
In the Senior School, students can represent the College in three major external competitions:
Archdale Debating Competition
ISDA Debating Competition
Archdale Virtual Debating (online)
University of Sydney Debating Tournament
The Year 7 Archdale and ISDA teams are selected very early in the year.
In the Junior School, debating is introduced in Years 5 and 6. Year 5 students begin by developing their skills in class and House debating. In Year 6, students train to compete in both ISDA and IPSHA interschool debating.
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Debating Highlights 2023
Debating Highlights 2022
Membership: Year 5 Interhouse Debating open to all Year 5, Year 6 via team trials
Cost: Nil
When:
Year 5 - Terms 3 and 4, two mornings before school each week, Year 5 classrooms
Year 6 - Terms 1–3, two mornings before school each week, Year 6 classrooms
Auditions: Trials will be held for Year 6 students early Term 1, a Notice will be sent via PLACES.
Competitions:
• ISDA - Terms 1–2, Friday nights, various locations. Draws here once available
• IPSHA - Terms 2–3, Fridays P5 and P6 , various locations. Draws here once available
Staff:
All Year 5 teachers
Mrs Irene Zeritis (Year 6) izeritis@plc.nsw.edu.au
Mrs Jo Lukabyo (Year 6) jlukabyo@plc.nsw.edu.au
Sign Up: Via Clipboard, Early Term 1. A Notice will be sent via PLACES.
*Interhouse Debating is also available for students in Year 5 and 6
Membership: Years 7–12 by selection into a team and all students who compete in House Debating
Cost:
Archdale - $250 per season
Online - $250
ISDA - $250
Debating Club - Nil When: Terms 1–4, Friday lunchtimes, MSR Level 3
Competition teams are also required to attend two hours of coaching per week usually before or after school as arranged with the team coach, as well as the Debating Club every Friday lunchtime.
Trials:
Year 7, 2025 - Auditions are now closed
Years 8–12, 2025 - Auditions are now closed.
Past Dates:
Seniors 2025 Trials - Tuesday 15 October 3.05 pm
Year 10, 2025 Trials - Tuesday 22 October 3.05 pm
Year 9, 2025 Trials - Tuesday 29 October 3.05 pm
Year 8, 2025 Trials - Tuesday 12 November 3.05 pm
Competitions:
Archdale - Tuesdays 3.30–8.30 pm at various locations. Commencing Term 2.
ISDA - Fridays 4.30–9.30 pm at various locations.
Online - Tuesdays 3.30–8.30 pm at PLC Sydney
Staff: Mrs Lynette Hawkey, lhawkey@plc.nsw.edu.au 02 9704 5786