Our Debating and Public Speaking programs offer students year-round opportunities to develop and apply their critical thinking skills to complex ideas about real-world issues. Students are empowered to be active citizens who speak out against social injustices, work collaboratively, and respect the opinions of others. Students are guided by highly qualified skills coaches and a dedicated team of teachers who have a wealth of experience in oratory competitions.
In recent years, Waverley has consistently been represented in the following competitions:
“Debating has arguably helped me a lot with my ability to speak, increased my vocabulary and contributed to my confidence in all manners vocal. It is imperative that the school continue debating and keep it popular as the skills acquired are lifelong and incredibly useful.”
Individual Waverlians have also taken up representative positions in the NSW Youth Parliament, NSW and National Youth United Nations, and the Australian Independent Debating and Public Speaking Championships.
“Debating has given me the platform to develop my ability to create persuasive arguments and utilise effective speaking skills. It has also allowed me to learn and debate about the pressing issues in today’s world, which I wouldn’t necessarily learn about in the school curriculum.”
“Debating was the best decision I made in my time at Waverley College. It has taught me how to articulate my ideas in a comprehensive way, whilst also promoting the connection and building of bonds between people of all Year levels.”
“Debating has helped me immensely in my schoolwork and personal life. The ability to structure arguments and think on my feet is useful in writing English essays when you don’t know the exact question beforehand. Constantly speaking in front of an audience has built my confidence to speak in front of a class, in an assembly, or speak to other people in social settings. Most importantly, however, debating is super fun; I met a lot of my friends through debating.”
We would like to acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora nation who are the traditional Custodians of the land on which Waverley College is located. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We are committed to honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual connections to the land, waters, seas and sky and their rich contribution to society.
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