Summer 2026 · Ages 9–15 · In-Person
Intro to Debate and Public Speaking Camp
Four weeks in Dubai to go from nervous to confident on your feet.
About this program
A four-week in-person camp at our Dubai office for students new to public speaking and debate. Two sessions a week, sixteen hours in total, taking students from their first short speech to a full adjudicated debate. Small in-person cohorts split by age, with two schedule tracks in each age group so families can pick the one that fits around travel and summer plans.
Is this the right fit?
- Who it's for
- Students ages 9–15 · Beginner
- Prerequisites
- No prior speaking or debate experience required.
- Format & location
In-Person · 4 hrs of coaching per week
In-person sessions meet at our Barsha Heights, Dubai office.
- Schedule options (Dubai time)
- Ages 9–11 — Track A: Monday 15:00–17:00 · Saturday 13:00–15:00
- Ages 9–11 — Track B: Wednesday 15:00–17:00 · Friday 14:00–16:00
- Ages 12–15 — Track A: Tuesday 15:00–17:00 · Saturday 16:00–18:00
- Ages 12–15 — Track B: Thursday 15:00–17:00 · Friday 16:00–18:00
- Good to know
- •Held in person at our Barsha Heights office.
- •Pick one track at checkout — Track A and Track B cover identical material.
- •Small cohorts, split by age group.
A sample week
Sample week — Building an Argument
Session 1
- 20 min
Warm-Up & Speech Round
Every student delivers a short prepared speech from the previous session, with quick peer feedback.
- 35 min
Lecture: Claim, Reason, Evidence
What separates an opinion from an argument, taught through examples students already recognize.
- 45 min
Guided Practice
In pairs, students build arguments on assigned motions and present them to the group.
- 20 min
Debrief & Assignment
Coach feedback on structure, plus the short prep task for the next session.
Session 2
- 30 min
Evidence Workshop
How to find and use a supporting example without overclaiming what it proves.
- 60 min
Mini Debates
Short two-on-two rounds on the week's motion, with every student speaking and the coach adjudicating.
- 30 min
Individual Feedback
Each student receives specific notes on delivery and argument quality to work on before next week.
Week by week
Four weeks. Each week builds on the one before it, so the course runs as a single progression from the first session to the last.
01Finding Your Voice
August 3 – August 9
The first week is about getting comfortable standing up and speaking. Students learn how to structure a short speech with a clear opening, one main idea, and a close that lands. We work on the mechanics that make a speaker easy to listen to — pace, volume, pauses, and eye contact — and every student speaks in front of the group on day one.
02Building an Argument
August 10 – August 16
Students move from speaking to arguing. We introduce the claim–reason–evidence structure and practise turning an opinion into a case someone else can follow. Students learn the difference between an assertion and a supported argument, and start spotting weak reasoning in examples drawn from advertising, news, and everyday disagreements.
03Rebuttal & Thinking on Your Feet
August 17 – August 23
The hardest skill for new debaters: responding to what the other side actually said. Students practise listening for the weak point, naming it clearly, and answering it under time pressure. Impromptu speaking drills build the confidence to speak without a script.
04Full Debates & Showcase
August 24 – August 30
Everything comes together. Students prepare and deliver full debates in front of the group, with coach adjudication and individual feedback. The month closes with a showcase round and a written progress report for every student.
What students take away
Everything included with full month (4 weeks) enrollment.
- ✓Two 2-hour sessions per week (16 hours total)
- ✓All four weekly modules
- ✓In-person coaching at our Barsha Heights office
- ✓Materials and handouts provided
- ✓End-of-camp progress report
Frequently asked
Do you handle inquiries about pricing privately?
Yes. We share program fees, sibling discounts, and any early-enrollment offers directly with families once we understand the right fit. Get in touch and we will send everything within one business day.
What does my child need to attend?
For online sessions: reliable internet, a computer with webcam and microphone, and a quiet workspace. For in-person sessions at our Dubai campus: just themselves and a notebook. All materials are provided.
What if we miss a session?
Online sessions are recorded and shared with enrolled students within 24 hours. Research and writing assignments can be completed asynchronously. We recommend attending live whenever possible for the peer interaction.
What happens after summer ends?
Students can continue with our regular term courses starting in September. Summer students often advance one to two levels and are well prepared for fall tournaments.
Enroll
Configure your enrollment
Pick the schedule track that suits you, then add to your cart. Checkout in one place alongside any other programs you're enrolling in.
Total
AED 1,600
All 4 weeks · single payment
Booked as the full four-week month. Sibling discounts available — message us before booking.
Outcomes
What summer changes for our students
87%
Increase in Analytical Thinking Skills
7x
More Likely to Attend a Top-10 University
20%
Increase in Grade Point Average
15%
Increase in Social Confidence
Recent Tournament Results
- •2025 Stanford Invitational — Novice Open Quarterfinalists (Top 8)
- •2025 Oxford Schools Finals — Novice Finals & 5th Best Novice Speaker
- •2025 Harvard Invitational — Middle School Quarterfinalists, Octofinalists & Top International Speaker
- •2025 Harvard Debate Council International — Middle School Semifinalists
- •2025 Cambridge Union International Young Debaters — Open Finalists & 6th Best Open Speaker
Coaches
Taught by debate champions and Oxford Union coaches
Our instructors include former head coaches of the Oxford Union, world champions, and international finalists.
Meet the teamExplore
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Learn moreInquire about Intro to Debate and Public Speaking Camp
Tell us about your child and we'll recommend the right track, share dates, and answer your questions within one business day.