Debating has for many years been part of the academic year for member schools in Scotland and we now plan to use their experience as the basis for an exciting new regional and national series of competitions.
We hope all Districts will consider organising their own debating contests during the 2025-26 academic year, with the winning teams from each going forward to an all-IAPS Final at which our overall Debating Champions will emerge.
This new addition to our Pupil Experience offering to member schools will initially be open to all Year 7/8 pupils, and we already have ambitions to extend it further to include other year groups in 2026-27.
We are delighted that Rob Taylor, the driving force behind the success of the Scottish competition, is on board to share his expertise and help schools get the most out of entering a team into the competition or by hosting a District event.
We will need Districts to take the lead on running the regional competitions but please rest assured you will not be alone, as the team here at IAPS will be on hand to provide advice and practical support.
At this early stage all we need is for you to consider whether your school would benefit from participating in the competition. Debating is a great opportunity for your pupils to try something a bit different, as well as a chance to develop oracy skills, critical thinking, teamwork, and confidence.
Districts will be asked in the autumn to identify a school willing to host your regional event, prior to which we will provide more detail of the support available.
Competition timeline
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Autumn term – Confirm host schools by October half term; entries open in November
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Spring term – District competitions to take place
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Summer term – National Finals (date and location TBC)