Schools’ Competition Entry Information

Join South Australia's Premier Schools' Debating Competition in 2024

We love debating and are very excited to welcome both new and returning schools to join the 2024 Schools’ Competition. Read through the information below or get started entering teams.

Team entries close on Friday 15 March 2024.

Scroll down to learn more…

Why Debating SA?

Debating SA has been the leading provider of schools debating in South Australia for over thirty years. We inspire self-confident people, engaged citizens and leaders for a better world through debating.
Our programme is innovative and student-centred with friendly and experienced support for teachers and extensive training opportunities.

The aims of Debating SA are:

  • To actively promote debating, free speech, and debating-related activities.
  • To actively lead the way in providing training to young people to enable participation and excellence in all aspects of debating.
  • To provide a diverse debating programme of substance whereby people of all ages can practise and improve their skills with participants from other schools or groups.
  • To develop world-class training and resource materials that will assist in the promotion of debating at all levels.
  • To encourage schools from across all sectors to fully participate.
  • To foster a network of adjudicators and debaters keen to promote our organisation and debating in South Australia.

 Debating SA seeks to encourage and develop in young people the following:

  • Thinking and research skills
  • Communication skills
  • Social skills
  • Sportsmanship

In teams of three, students debate three times across the season with debates occuring every three weeks at a single venue chosen by their school.

Teams in Year 6 and above have the opportunity to participate in a finals series at the end of Term Three.

Teams and Divisions

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.

The competition is divided into six divisions:

  • Year 5
  • Year 6/7
  • Year 8
  • Year 9
  • Year 10
  • Senior: Combined Years 11 and 12

Students are able to enter a division above their own year level.

Rounds and Times of Debates

Debates will be held every three weeks during Terms 2 and 3. Debates begin from 6:30pm.

Number of debates: 5 debates, except Senior division which has 4 debates to accommodate an early finish for Year 11/12.

Finals: All divisions except Year 5 have quarter finals, semi-finals, and a grand final.

Venues

Teams can choose the venue they debate at when they enter. See the division availability for each venue below.

Evening Debates held Venue Divisions
Monday Christian Brothers College 6/7, 8, 9
Monday St Columba College 5, 6/7, 8, 9
Tuesday Mercedes College 6/7, 8, 9
Tuesday Pulteney Grammar School 5, 6/7
Wednesday Flinders University in the City 6/7, 8, 9, 10, Senior
Wednesday Adelaide High School 5, 6/7, 10, Senior
Thursday Grange Schools 5, 6/7
Thursday Nazareth Catholic College 6/7, 8, 9

IMPORTANT: Note that division availability at a venue is subject to demand and available resources.
The location and directions to the host schools can be viewed on the Venues page.

View our extensive array of training events for coaches and students as well as the season calendar...

2024 Team Fees

Debating SA prides itself on the high level of support and quality of its programme. 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: $170 per team
Years 8 and 9: $180 per team
Year 10 and Senior: $190 per team
Each school will be charged an annual per school fee in addition to team fees of $110.