The Schools’ Competition is an inter-school debating competition held each year from May to September (see Calendar). There are eight different venues and each Primary or Secondary School team that enters debates approximately every three weeks at a designated venue as per the draw. Topics for debates are challenging and contemporary. Year 6/7 and Secondary School teams contest a finals series which is held at the end of Term 3.
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: Split into Year 6 and Year 7
- Year 8
- Year 9
- Year 10
- Senior: Combined Years 11 and 12
*Note: Given that Year 7 is now part of secondary school for most schools, we will aim to place students against students of their own year level where possible.
Rounds and Times of Debates
Debates are held approximately every three weeks during Terms 2 and 3. Debates begin from 6:30pm. Times and specific details of debates are available on the draw page.
Number of debates: Each team has five debates, except Senior division which has four debates.
Finals: All divisions except Year 5 have quarter finals, semi-finals, and a grand final.
Venues
Debating SA is grateful to our dedicated host schools meaning that debaters only debate at a single venue for the preliminary rounds. Our host schools are:
| Evening Debates held | Venue | Divisions |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Christian Brothers College | 6/7, 8, 9 |
| Monday | St Columba College | 6/7, 9 |
| Tuesday | Cabra Dominican College | 6/7, 8, 9 |
| Tuesday | Pulteney Grammar School | 5, 6/7, 8, 9 |
| Wednesday | Glenunga International High School | 6/7, 8, 9, 10, Senior |
| Wednesday | Adelaide High School | 5, 6/7, 8, 9, 10, Senior |
| Thursday | Grange Schools | 5, 6/7 |
| Thursday | Nazareth Catholic College | 6/7, 8, 9, 10, Senior |
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.
Competition Rules, Protocols and Resources
The competition is governed by the rules and procedures outlined in the Rules and Procedures and The Official Debating Manual. There are also a range of helpful resources available for use.