The Schools’ Competition is an annual inter-school competition held during Terms 2 and 3 (May to September).
Who can participate?
Students enter as teams of three.
Many teams choose to have an extra one or two team members to allow for student illness and other unforeseen commitments. These students may also assist in undertaking the duties of the Chairman (Affirmative team) or Timekeeper (Negative).
The competition is divided into seven divisions:
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- Year 5
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- Year 6
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- Year 7
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- Year 8
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- Year 9
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- Year 10
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- Senior: Combined Years 11 and 12
Students are able to enter a division above their own year level, e.g. Year 6 students can participate in Year 7.
What do students debate about?
Teams are challenged to debate current and contemporary topics.
Debates are held approximately every three weeks during Terms 2 and 3.
Debates begin from 6:30pm. Times and specific debate details will be released during Term 1.
Are there finals?
All divisions except Year 5 have quarter finals, semi-finals, and a grand final.
2026 Team Fees
Our fees are set to enable us to deliver a comprehensive and well-resourced program whilst offering substantial value for money for schools.
Years 5 to 7: $190 per team
Years 8 and 9: $200 per team
Year 10 and Senior: $210 per team
Team entries close on Friday 14 March 2026
Where are debates held?
There are a number of host schools across Adelaide.
See Venues for specific directions.
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Monday |
Endeavour College Mawson Lakes |
7, 8, 9, 10 Senior |
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Tuesday |
Mercedes College Springfield |
5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
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St Dominic’s Priory College North Adelaide |
5, 6 |
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Wednesday |
Immanuel College Novar Gardens |
7, 8, 9, 10, Senior |
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Central City Venue TBC |
10, Senior |
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Thursday |
Nazareth Catholic College Flinders Park |
7, 8, 9 |
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Woodville Gardens Primary School Woodville Gardens |
5, 6 |
