Introduction to Debate
A gentle on-ramp into competitive speech and debate.
Dates
July 6 – August 21, 2026
Format
In-Person & Online
About the Program
Who this is for
A once-weekly introduction designed for students new to formal debate. Across seven sessions, students learn how to build an argument, find and use evidence, respond under pressure, and deliver speeches with confidence. By summer end, students are ready to step into Flagship Camp or compete in their first junior tournaments.
Prerequisites
No prior debate experience required.
- •Small cohort sizes.
- •Strong fit for students considering Flagship Camp next summer.
Format & Schedule
Pick the option that fits your week
Schedule
Once a week on Saturdays
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Total / week
2 hrs
1 session
Format
In-Person
Ages
10–13
Duration
7 weeks
July 6 – August 21
In-person sessions held at our Barsha Heights, Dubai office.
Curriculum
Seven weeks, week by week
Each week is a self-contained module. Full-summer students continuously meet fresh material; week-by-week students can join at any point.
Students discover what debate is and why it matters — clear thinking, fair persuasion, learning to disagree well. We open with a famous short speech, watch a TED talk by a young speaker, and run a one-minute "passion speech" warm-up so every student stands and speaks on day one.
Sample Readings
I Have a Dream — Martin Luther King Jr.
Essay
Excerpts from the 1963 speech — accessible, foundational.
What adults can learn from kids — Adora Svitak
TED
TED talk by a young speaker — a great age-appropriate model.
5 tips to improve your critical thinking — Samantha Agoos
TED-Ed
Short animated explainer on questioning your own assumptions.
Sample Week
Sample week — Why Debate?
Session start times shown for Dubai Time (GMT +4) — change above
Saturday
In-Person
Welcome & Warm-Up
15 minGroup introductions and what each student wants from summer.
Lecture: Why Debate Matters
30 minHow debate trains clear thinking, persuasion, and respectful disagreement — illustrated with short clips of famous speakers.
Watch & Discuss
15 minShort TED talk by a young speaker; discuss what made it effective.
One-Minute Passion Speech
30 minEvery student delivers an impromptu 1-minute speech on any topic they care about.
Reflection & Assignment
30 minGroup debrief, peer feedback, and the first short reading & writing assignment.
Enroll
Configure your enrollment
Pick a schedule, choose Full Summer or Per Week, then add to your cart. Checkout in one place alongside any other programs you're enrolling in.
Early-bird pricing through June 15, 2026 — save ~20% vs. regular tuition.
Total
$1,141
7 weeks · $163 per week (early bird)
Early-bird pricing through June 15, 2026. 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 teamFAQ
Frequently asked
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.
Explore
Other summer programs
Flagship Camp
Seven weeks of debate, writing, and the biggest questions in the world.
Learn moreElite TrackAdvanced WSDC Summer Training
Elite training for competitive debaters targeting major tournaments.
Learn moreSpecialist FormatIntroduction to Public Forum
The American 2v2 team format — evidence-driven and tournament-ready.
Learn moreInquire about Introduction to Debate
Tell us about your child and we'll recommend the right track, share dates, and answer your questions within one business day.