Debating

Debating is the premiere speaker sport and Fourways has gone from strength to strength in the activities. Our teams continue to excel by finishing in the top ten in provincial tournaments and many of our speakers go on to represent at provincial, national and international tournaments. Fourways has a long history of producing quality speakers and many have been awarded their Colours and Honours blazers in the past for their excellence. We continue to be one of the most formidable government schools taking part on the circuit. 

Debating is a co-curricular activity that enables learners to develop their skills of speaking, argument forming, strategy development as well as increasing learners’ general knowledge. A team comprises of five individuals where three speak per debate. A debate occurs over the space of an hour with learners having to develop arguments in preparation sessions the hour before. It is a highly engaging activity and speakers are interrupted during their speeches with ‘points of information’ where they are expected to respond off the cuff.  It is dynamic and exciting, and learners are encouraged to speak in a way that is expressive and persuasive while also presenting logically sounding arguments. 

The activity occurs all year round and starts in January and finishes in October. Learners are expected to attend 2-hour practice sessions twice a week. Participants are taught content, strategy and speaking techniques through lectures, discussions, drills, games, and exercises. Debate tournaments are on two Saturdays and Sundays during each term while we participate in friendlies and online debates during the week.