This page provides detailed guidance on competing in the Wales Schools Debating Championships.
Whether you’re a beginner who wants to ensure you don’t miss out, or an experienced debater looking to improve your skills, this is the page for you. At present, our debating resources are available in English only.
Basic guidance: Top Tips for Debaters
All schools that compete in our tournament are now provided with a set of 10 cards, which provide all of the basic information and advice that will help you to achieve success in the tournament. The cards are freely photocopiable, and may be cut up and used as ‘cue cards’ for practice sessions. You can download colour versions here:
Detailed guidance: Debating Handbook
This is the latest version of our full Debating Handbook, now available as on online resource only. The Handbook will help you to develop a detailed understanding of what judges look for in a successful debate. It also provides the full rules of the Wales Schools Debating Championships, advice for judges and debate chairs, and guidance on setting up a debating club in school.
- Debating Handbook 2018 (Word doc, 144Kb)
Example Motions for DebateWCIA Debating Top Tips
Take a look at some examples of past motions for debate for your information.
Debate Training DVD
Produced by Media4Schools, this DVD contains a full-length debate in Wales Schools Debating Championships format. The students featured, debating the motion “This House would negotiate with terrorists”, were competitors in the 2008 World Championships. There is an introduction by their coach, and explanatory subtitles highlight important features of the debate. To purchase a copy, please e-mail us.
Price: £8 per copy (Members) / £10 per copy (non-members), including postage