About debating in schools

Picture of a row of students looking at the camera

This resource will help teachers to:

  • use speech and debate techniques in the classroom
  • set up debating societies within schools
  • get involved in competitive debating.

Debate captures the spirit of Curriculum for Excellence and can play a significant part in a schools' citizenship and Determined To Succeed activities. It is a unique way of promoting critical thinking, communication, research and enquiry skills.

Debating develops the four capacities. The innate structure of debating means that young people build effective communication skills (effective contributors), which enhances their confidence (confident individuals), their ability to communicate and persuade a group of people, and allows them to discover their voice (successful learners). They are also able to consider wider issues (responsible citizens).