Youth Debating

Apex Clubs across Australia are helping to build the next generation of leaders through Youth Debating. Below some of our participants and teachers explain more:

"It's often said that positive habits are developed and essential skills nurtured during your adolescence, and it's up to you to ensure you are ready for the future. Personally, as a 16-year-old student moving into Year 12, APEX Debating has provided me with an unparalleled opportunity to develop my skills in many facets of communication, research and teamwork.

With it's excellent organisation and management of many different teams, APEX Debating enhances within us - the youth of today, citizens of tomorrow - vital skills which enable us to have a broader impact within our society.

In addition to the regional competition, the State Final at APEX Camp Mudjimba was an unforgettable experience. We were well looked after with great accommodation, pristine facilities and excellent food, and everyone enjoyed their stay.

APEX Debating has definitely taught me valuable skills which will undoubtedly help me in the future, and I encourage everyone to avail themselves of this wonderful opportunity to learn and grow as a person."

- Hamza Ashraf
- Whitsunday Anglican School Senior Debating Team

"West Moreton Anglican College has had a long and positive association with Apex Debating. In the last few years, our involvement has expanded from three teams, or about 10 students, to over 30 students in up to nine teams. Our teams are a combination of experienced public speakers and newcomers of all ages. Debating has shaken off its previous 'nerdy' image and gained a reputation as a fun and challenging team activity.

Our students' association with Apex Debating does not end when they leave the College; they enjoy the clash of ideas and verbal sparring too much to leave it behind! After graduation they return as coaches, adjudicators and organisers for the competition.

"When you have confidence, you can have a lot of fun. And when you have fun, you can do amazing things." (Joe Namath, American sports star)

Speaking in public is one of people's greatest fears - unless you happen to be an Apex debater. Debating provides young adults with the confidence to communicate their ideas clearly and with conviction. The skills they develop are invaluable to their education and personal growth. What are these skills?

    • Team work: working together to create a strong and coherent argument.
    • Communication: writing and presenting a case that engages and persuades an audience.
    • Thinking for themselves, thinking on their feet: students learn that it is not enough to have an opinion; they need to support it and be able to defend it.
    • Leadership: students have the opportunity to mentor and coach younger debaters and to take on leadership responsibilities within their team.
    • Sportsmanship: learning to argue the case, not the person.

 Introduce the young adults you know to Apex Debating- the life skills and confidence it will give them is hard to match."

Nick Vlaisa Jevic
Director of Sport and Extracurricular Activities

Donna Googe
Debating Co-ordinator