Build passion
Lessons built around games make debating and speaking something children look forward to.
- Speaking games
- Team roles
- Fun first
Debating and public speaking classes · Sydney & online
Think it through. Say it with conviction.
We teach young people to think clearly, argue persuasively and speak with confidence, coached by elite university debaters. In person in Sydney and live online.
Our philosophy
Not tutoring. Coaching, from people who have won.
Champion Debating was founded by Sydney debating coaches who saw gaps in private coaching. We hand-pick our coaches from leading university debating societies, and we hold all of our teaching to three principles.
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i.
Hands-on
Students practise often and get feedback every time. We focus on using what they learn, so confidence grows in the room and not just in their notes.
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ii.
Inspiring
Our coaches are experienced and passionate, and they teach current material. They help each student set goals of their own, then chase them.
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iii.
Accountable
We take responsibility for every student's progress. That means personal support, regular feedback and resources for each child, every term.
The pathway
From first words to the final round.
Every student moves along the same pathway at their own pace: first we make speaking fun, then safe, then sharp. Along the way they build the skills selectors look for in ISDA, Archdale and GPS trials.
Inspire confidence
Students speak to larger audiences in small, steady steps, until the nerves settle and the voice carries.
- Projection
- Pace & tone
- No more “um”
Master the craft
Rigorous teaching in argument and presentation, with exercises that get harder each week.
- Rebuttal
- Case building
- Thinking on your feet
What they master along the way
Expression
- Clear articulation
- Voice projection
- No filler words
- Pace, tone & emphasis
Structure
- Principled & practical arguments
- Integrated rebuttal
- Case structure
- Winning the clash
Knowledge
- Forms of argument
- Global affairs
- Common topic areas
- Thinking under pressure
Programs
Choose where your child starts.
Whether it's a child's first speech or the national team trials, there is a program built for where they are now.
Years 1 – 8 · No experience needed
Beginners
The first steps in speaking. Children learn public speaking and debating through weekly term classes and relaxed holiday camps, online or in person. Every beginner gets a free introductory webinar before their first lesson.
- Debating rules, roles and speaking positions
- Structuring speeches and arguments
- Clear voice, steady pace, no filler words
- A showcase debate to bring it all together
School team debaters
Advanced
For students who already debate for their school. Weekly classes and intensive camps, taught by some of the best debaters in the world.
See the advanced program
Oxford · Harvard · Cambridge pathways
Competitions
Weekend tournaments in person, a weekly schools league online, and pathways to international finals.
View competitions
For schools
School partnerships
Bespoke workshops, holiday camps and term programs for schools, whether you are strengthening an established debating program or starting one from scratch.
Talk to us about your school
Real issues, real arguments
This house would…
These are the kinds of motions our students debate, chosen to match each year group. Every one has two good sides.
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Education
This house would make coding compulsory in primary school.
Years 4 – 6 -
Technology
This house would ban smartphones for under-14s.
Years 7 – 8 -
Society
This house would lower the voting age to 16.
Years 9 – 10 -
Environment
This house would ban single-use plastics outright.
Years 5 – 6 -
Ethics
This house would let AI mark school exams.
Years 11 – 12 -
School life
This house would introduce a four-day school week.
Years 7 – 8 -
Sport
This house would stop keeping score in junior sport.
Years 4 – 6 -
Culture
This house would replace school uniforms with free dress.
Years 5 – 6
Results
What our students go on to achieve.
Our students have reached the grand final of the Cambridge Schools Debating Tournament and won selection to representative teams across Sydney.
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students coached across our programs
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coaches drawn from elite university societies
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students selected for representative teams
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international finals pathways: Oxford, Harvard and Cambridge
We don't teach children to win arguments. We teach them to be heard, and to listen like it matters.
Free trial
Their first word on stage starts here.
Book a free trial class online or in person. We'll match your child to the right level and send everything you need.