PF · Level 6 · Ages 11–14 · Online
Introduction to Public Forum (Junior)
The American partner format for ages 11-14, from first case to first judged round. Live online, September 1 - December 18, 2026; choose a Saturday or Sunday slot.
About this course
Public Forum is the American partner format - evidence-driven, fast, and the gateway to the US circuit, including our own Harvard Invitational squads. Little or no experience required: the PF format, evidence and cut cards, framework, crossfire, and summary and final focus step by step, plus a monthly judged round with written feedback. Fourteen weekly two-hour classes live on Zoom, September 1 to December 18, 2026, in groups of six to eight, coached by Zach Fleeser and Mac Hays, whose students have reached the TOC and NSDA Nationals. Choose one weekly slot; graduates place into the Advanced squad.
Is this the right fit?
- Who it's for
- Students ages 11–14 · Debate Academy track · Level 6 of 10
- Where it happens
- Live on Zoom, taught from Dubai. Students join from anywhere in the world.
Class schedule
This course runs more than one weekly time slot; pick the one that suits your family when you enroll. Times show in your timezone by default, and you can switch it below.
What students achieve
- ✓Understand the Public Forum format and speaker roles
- ✓Find, cut and cite evidence
- ✓Build a case around a framework
- ✓Hold your own in crossfire
- ✓Deliver summary and final focus speeches
- ✓Compete in a monthly judged round
Weekly curriculum
14 weeks of structured instruction, one topic building on the next.
01The Public Forum format and speaker roles
Week 1 focuses on the public forum format and speaker roles, building on previous weeks' learning.
02Resolutions, framework and burdens
Week 2 focuses on resolutions, framework and burdens, building on previous weeks' learning.
03Research: finding and cutting cards
Week 3 focuses on research: finding and cutting cards, building on previous weeks' learning.
04Constructive speeches
Week 4 focuses on constructive speeches, building on previous weeks' learning.
05Rebuttal and answering the case
Week 5 focuses on rebuttal and answering the case, building on previous weeks' learning.
06Crossfire technique
Week 6 focuses on crossfire technique, building on previous weeks' learning.
07Summary speeches
Week 7 focuses on summary speeches, building on previous weeks' learning.
08Final focus and voting issues
Week 8 focuses on final focus and voting issues, building on previous weeks' learning.
09Judge adaptation and flowing
Week 9 focuses on judge adaptation and flowing, building on previous weeks' learning.
10Impact calculus and weighing
Week 10 focuses on impact calculus and weighing, building on previous weeks' learning.
11Judged round with written feedback
Week 11 focuses on judged round with written feedback, building on previous weeks' learning.
12Case rebuild and blocks
Week 12 focuses on case rebuild and blocks, building on previous weeks' learning.
13Second judged round
Week 13 focuses on second judged round, building on previous weeks' learning.
14Placement and next steps
Week 14 focuses on placement and next steps, building on previous weeks' learning.
What's included
- ✓Live 2-hour Zoom classes with interactive breakout rooms
- ✓Small groups capped at 8 students for personal attention
- ✓Hub access with recordings, resources, and progress tracking
- ✓Tournament support: registration and coaching for competitions
How enrollment works
- 1
Enroll and pay
Secure checkout takes a minute. Pick a class time, add the course to your cart, and complete payment online.
- 2
We confirm your place
Our team reaches out on WhatsApp or email to welcome your child, confirm the class time, and answer any questions.
- 3
First session
You receive the Zoom link and materials before the first class, and your child joins the group.
Questions before you book? Message us on WhatsApp and a coach will reply.