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Introduction to Public Forum (Senior) class at Atlantic Ivy Dubai

PF · Level 6 · Ages 14–18 · Dubai (in person)

Introduction to Public Forum (Senior)

The American partner format for ages 14-18, from first case to first judged round. Live online, September 1 - December 18, 2026; choose a Saturday or Sunday slot.

Term 1 2026-27Starts September 5th, 2026.Early bird until September 1 2026.

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 14–18 · Debate Academy track · Level 6 of 10
Where it happens
This course currently meets live online (Dubai pricing applies). Our Dubai classroom is at I-Rise Tower, Barsha Heights, Dubai.

Class schedule

Times show in your timezone by default, and you can switch it below. This course currently meets online; Dubai pricing applies.

Option A

Saturdays8:00 – 10:00 PM GST

Option B

Sundays5:00 – 7:00 PM GST

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 in-person classes at our Barsha Heights classroom
  • Small groups capped at 8 students for personal attention
  • Written parent feedback after every single class
  • Hub access with recordings, resources, and progress tracking
  • Tournament support: registration and coaching for competitions

How enrollment works

  1. 1

    Enroll and pay

    Secure checkout takes a minute. Pick a class time, add the course to your cart, and complete payment online.

  2. 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. 3

    First session

    You receive arrival details for our classroom at I-Rise Tower, Barsha Heights before the first class, and your child joins the group in person.

Frequently asked questions

What if I miss a class?

We offer free, complimentary makeups for all students in cases where a class is missed. Contact us to arrange a makeup session.

How do you track progress?

We send parents written feedback on their students after every class! This includes areas of strength and specific recommendations for improvement.

Are tournaments required?

No, however we always encourage and support tournament attendance. Tournaments are a great way for students to apply their skills in a competitive environment.

How do I pay?

We accept Credit Card, Bank Transfer, Cash, WeChat, and Alipay. Payment plans are available upon request.

Questions before you book? Message us on WhatsApp and a coach will reply.

From our families

“Attending Atlantic Ivy was one of the best decisions for my debate journey. The structured coaching, tailored curriculum, and engaging practice rounds helped me excel in high-level competitions. Coaches like Perry and Ricky greatly improved my argumentation, strategy, and delivery.”

Smayan Sethi

Student, Debate Academy I, Fall 2024

Also available online

The same course runs live on Zoom, so students can join from anywhere in the world.

Intro to Public Forum Sr Online

$693 USD