UCD Online Debate Camp: 10-14 August 2020

For decades, UCD has helped thousands of schoolchildren find their voices through our Debating Camps and Schools’ Debating Competitions. As coaches and judges, we have seen shy students learn how to command the attention of a room, and chatterboxes turn into gifted communicators. We know firsthand that debating can be a life-changing activity, one that gives training that lasts a lifetime. It equips students with new skills to aid them in academic work, interviews and professional life. But much more than that, it’s an avenue to expand your intellectual horizons, challenge your mind, and make the very best of friends.

Following the success of our Summer Camps over the last number of years, we are delighted to have the opportunity to coach debating this Summer remotely. Our five-day online camp will provide world-class coaching to students across Ireland. The Debate Camp will continue to be delivered in small groups enabling individualised attention and feedback with Ireland’s most talented debaters and coaches.

Online platforms will enable students to engage in the camp fully and participate in debates, activities and workshops. Students will receive personalised coaching, training, feedback and guidance.

We welcome students of all ability and experience, from the complete novice looking to learn more about debating, to the experienced competitor looking to refine their skills.

What does a day at camp look like?

10.00-10.30 Icebreakers and public speaking skills

10.30 – 11.15 Workshop, e.g. framing, structure, rebuttal

11.15 – 11.30 Break 11:30 – 12:15 Public speaking exercise

12.15 – 13.30 Interactive topic discussion, e.g. Rights and Freedoms

13.30-14.15: Lunch

14.15-15.35 Feedback

15:30-16:00: Activity e.g. Speaking Skills (Persuasion and Strategy)

What do we offer?

● World-class coaching, by some of the most accomplished debaters in Ireland.

● Targeted guidance to cater to each student.

● A custom made syllabus, designed for students at all levels of ability.

● Small, streamed classes, to cater for different levels of ability and provide individualised feedback.

● Instruction in several styles of debating including British Parliamentary, World Schools, and prepared-debate.

● Detailed end of camp report to provide tailored feedback and aid development.

● Outside of class, students socialise in critical thinking games and activities.

Our goal is always to maximise fun while maintaining a relaxed, encouraging environment where students can be challenged.

How can I register?

The Senior Camp is suitable for students who will be in 4th, 5th and 6th year in the 2020-2021 academic year.

The Junior Camp is suitable for students who will be in 1st, 2nd and 3rd year in the 2020-2021 academic year.

The debate camp caters for students of all ability, from seasoned debaters to absolute beginners.

As the camp will be carried out online this year, we are reducing the cost by 25% from previous years to €110. We will also offer a discount of 10% for families sending more than one child to the camp and to students who have attended a previous UCD Debate Camp.

To register, please follow this link to a secure online form: https://form.jotform.com/201954848049061

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact the UCD Debate Camp team at debatecamp@ucd.ie.