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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.

Schools Competition
(Yr 9-12 Debating)

The 2023 Junior Secondary Program

The 2023 Information Pack is available here and online protocols are available here.

Registration for both programs is open for 2023 and can be completed via this form.

Registration closes at 5pm on Monday 17 July or as regions reach capacity. Registration for Essendon and Heyington regions will be extended to Monday 31 July.

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.

2023 topics for face to face and online programs will be:

  • R1: That we should ban the sale of non-food animal products (e.g. bone china, leather, ivory, etc).
  • R2: That we care too much about test scores and grades.
  • R3: That we should tax drinks based on the amount of sugar they contain.

    • 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. Please contact the office if you would like to enter more than 4 teams
  • Teams must have a minimum of 4 students and up to 7 students

    • 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 into regions according to the day and time they compete, dependent on registration numbers (ie you may be in the "Wednesday" region or "Wednesday 4pm" region). This will be clarified at the close of registration.

    • 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.

    Registration:

    Coordinators can register students for either program via the form provided via email.

    *Schools may register teams in both face to face and online competitions, but the teams cannot be composed of the same students*.

    Registration for both programs is open for 2023 and can be completed via this form

    Registration closes at 5pm on Monday 17 July or as regions reach capacity. Registration for Essendon and Heyington regions will be extended to Monday 31 July.

     

    Click here for a list of dates and regions for the onsite program. To recieve more information by email, please contact the office at debater@dav.com.au.