2023 Award Presentations
On Thursday 2 November 2023 we were delighted to be hosted by Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia and Debating SA Patron, and Mr Rob Bunten, at Government House, to celebrate the achievements of the 2023 Schools' Competition winning and runner up teams, as well as the Debater of the [...] Debating: A Brief Introduction for Beginners
This free publication describes the basics of debating as well as an overview of the steps of preparing a debate. Debating - A Brief Introduction for Beginners 2026 Grand Finals Photo Gallery
The 2026 Grand Finals were held in The House of Assembly Chamber, Parliament House on Saturday 17 October 2026. This was a wonderful event that showcased and celebrated the talents of the top South Australian debating teams. Year 6Year 7Year 8Year 9Year 10SeniorYear 6Year 6 Grand Finals Year 7Year 7 Grand Finals Year 8Year 8 [...] Debating SA Celebrates 35 Years with a Spectacular Anniversary Debate at Adelaide Town Hall
Debating SA celebrated 35 years of encouraging young South Australians to think critically, speak confidently and engage with ideas, bringing together some of Adelaide’s best-known personalities for a memorable afternoon of humour, lively argument and community celebration. On Sunday 18 October 2026, the historic Adelaide Town Hall played host to the Gr-8-9-1 Debate, a special […]
2026 Season Results
The 2026 Debating SA season brought together over fifteen hundred students from schools across South Australia for another wonderful year of thoughtful arguments, spirited competition and outstanding public speaking. Throughout the season, students demonstrated confidence, creativity and a willingness to engage with challenging ideas. From those taking their first steps in debating to our most [...] Debating SA celebrates 35 years with ABC Radio Adelaide
Debating SA is celebrating 35 years of debating in South Australia with a special anniversary event at the Adelaide Town Hall. On Sunday 18 October 2026, Debating SA will join ABC Radio Adelaide for the Sonya & Jules Gr8-9-1 Debate, bringing together some familiar South Australian personalities for an afternoon of argument, persuasion and good […]
2026 Finals Series is Underway
After five rounds of debating across Adelaide, the 2026 Debating SA Schools’ Competition Finals Series is underway! The top eight ranked teams in each of our Year 6, Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10 and Senior divisions have progressed to the finals, following a fantastic preliminary season involving schools and students from across […]
Confident Speaking Program
Help younger students find their voice, express their ideas and communicate with confidence. The Confident Speaking program is delivered by experienced independent coaches and is highly recommended for Year 3 and Year 4 students. Through practical, small-group speaking sessions, guided conversations and age-appropriate scenarios, students learn how to explain their ideas, listen to others and […]
Pointers for Improving Your Debating
Our adjudicators have identified several common areas in which teams can improve. These pointers are not intended as a checklist of rigid rules. They are practical ways to make your arguments clearer, stronger and more persuasive. 1. Respond to the strongest arguments Good rebuttal is not about finding the easiest statement to criticise. It is […]
2026 Competition Draw Now Available
We’re pleased to announce that the 2026 Competition Draw is now available. Participants, coaches, and supporters can now access all relevant details for the upcoming season, including round schedules and match-ups. This marks the beginning of what promises to be another exciting year of debating. We encourage all teams to review the draw carefully and […]
Debating SA on SBS Insight
We’re proud to share that our Chairman, Sonja Lowen, together with students from Concordia College were invited to appear on SBS Insight for an episode titled “Death of Debate: When we disagree, we can learn. Is the art of arguing disappearing?” Sonja and the students were flown to Sydney by SBS to take part in […]
2026 Competition Entries Open
A very warm welcome to the 2026 Competition. In our competition, the focus goes well beyond winning debates. We’re passionate about giving students skills that last a lifetime—critical thinking, confident communication, respectful disagreement, and the ability to engage thoughtfully with the world around them. These are skills that matter not just in competition, but in […]