Welcome to the DAV Website
The DAV is a non-profit association which exists to promote debate. It
is the peak debating body in Victoria and runs large competitions for
adults and for schools across Victoria. It provides training and
resources for debaters, teachers and adjudicators.
The 2025 Junior Secondary Program
The JSP is an introduction to debating for junior secondary students in years 7 and 8. This year we are offering the program in both in person and online formats.
For the first time in 2025, we will be offering Year 8 competition days. The day will consist of 3 rounds of competition debates with an overall winner declared at the conclusion of the day. This program is aimed at students who have previously completed the introductory JSP program and are looking for further debating opportunities. The first program will run in Term 1 and we will look to add further dates in Term 4.
When: Sunday 16 February, 10am-3pm
Where: Strathcona Girls Grammar School, 34 Scott St, Canterbury
Cost: $150 per team
Registration can be completed using this form.
Registration
Registration for both programs are not yet to open for 2025.
Registration closes at 5pm, TBC or as regions reach capacity.
Click here for a list of dates and regions for the onsite program. To receive more information by email, please contact the office at debater@dav.com.au.
About the Program
The Junior Secondary Program (JSP) is an introduction to debating for junior secondary students in years 7 and 8 who have not participated in the DAV Schools Competition. The program is designed to provide training in the basic skills and structure of debating whilst also giving students an opportunity to participate in three 'friendly' inter-school debates.
The JSP runs over four sessions in Terms 3/4 in various regions throughout Victoria. This year we will be offering both an online and face to face program.
2025 Topics for face to face and online programs will be:
- Round 1: TBC
- Round 2: TBC
- Round 3: TBC
Face to Face Program Details
- Schools will be able to enter up to 4 teams per region, although some regions may have a higher or lower capacity. If you expressed interest in entering mre than 4 teams in the form, we will confirm if this will be possible i your preferred region at the close of registration.
- Teams must have a minimum of 4 students and up to 7 students.
- Please note that the Ballarat and Trafalgar programs will run during school hours in term 4, while other programs run in the evening.
- Teams will be allocated to either group A (beginning 6pm), or Group B (beginning 7pm).
Online Program Details
- Schools will be able to enter up to 4 teams
- Teams must have a minimum of 4 students and up to 9 students
- Teams will be allocated (Tuesday or Wednesday) according to the day and time they registered as their preference. This will be clarified at the close of registration.
- Debates will usually run at 4pm and 5pm.
- Schools can opt for a live Zoom training session or online modules delivered via the DAV's Learning Management System.
Online Format
- Our preference for video conferencing software is Zoom, but we are aware this will not be suitable for all teams. The registration form allows for a number of software platforms to be used, and preference to be noted.
- Protocols can be found here (these provide advice specific to Zoom software, but we will send further details to any teams using alternatives prior to debates occurring).
- Video conferencing safety advice can be found here.
- Training videos will be provided for schools and students to complete at their convenience.
The training component of the program includes:
Introductory training
DAV trainers will introduce students to the art of persuasion and look at how debates work. Students will learn how to formulate arguments, how to define topics, and the role of each speaker in a debate.
The best way to consolidate skills is with interactive activities, so the training component includes various games where students work in smaller groups.
Demonstration debate
DAV adjudicators will act as debaters in an exhibition debate, showcasing high quality speeches to provide practical examples of what the students are taught.
Rebuttal seminars
After students have participated in an actual debate, they will take part in an extension training session in which they will work with trainers to discuss the role of rebuttal and different ways of approaching it.
Extended adjudication
Following the final debate, adjudicators will spend extra time giving feedback to students which aims to consolidate the skills learnt in the training component of the program.