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Regional Debating Days

Throughout terms 2-4 the DAV runs a number of Regional Debating Days at host schools across Victoria. These programs are an excellent opportunity for students in years 5 and 6 to put their skills to use in ‘friendly’ debates with students from other schools. We welcome first time debaters as well as those who have previously participated in our programs.

Days are run within school hours, with teams of 4 to 9 students participating in three debates (two will have prepared topics and one will have a secret topic announced on the day). Accredited DAV adjudicators provide students with feedback after each debate.

No debating experience is required, although these days assume that students are familiar with the very basics of debating. Schools may register up to four teams per regional day, but are only guaranteed entry of two teams, subject to regsitration numbers. The cost per team is $100. Schools will also be charged a membership fee of $40.

• Click here to download the information pack
• Click here to download the host school guide

Please note:

• Timing for prepared speeches is 3-4 minutes
• Timing for secret topic speeches is 2-3 minutes
• Students not speaking in a debate may not assist speakers during the debate
• Teachers and parents should not assist students during secret topic preparation
• No electronic devices are to be used during debates or secret topic preparation

For more information please read the Frequently Asked Questions.

2025 Registration

To register for Primary Schools Program 2025, please fill out this form.

2025 Region Dates

Additional regions will be added as dates are confirmed.

Status	Region	Venue	Date
CLOSED	Brighton	St Leonard's College	TBC
CLOSED	Bundoora	Northside Christian College	TBC
OPEN	Cranbourne	Tuliallan Primary School	Tuesday 6 May
CLOSED	Geelong	Geelong Lutheran College	TBC
CLOSED	Werribee	Altaqwa College	TBC
CLOSED	Mt Waverley	TBC	TBC
CLOSED	Brunswick East	Brunswick East Primary School	TBC
CLOSED	Fitzroy	Fitzroy Community School	TBC
CLOSED	Templestowe	Templestowe Park PS	TBC
CLOSED	Hampton Park	TBC	TBC
CLOSED	Preston	St Raphael's Primary School	Wednesday 4 Sep
CLOSED	State Tournament	TBC	TBC

Combined Debating and Public Speaking Programs 2025 - In-Person

Students can participate in one or both competitions (debating/public speaking).

For public speaking, students will present one 2-3 minute speech of a persuasive nature on one of two set topics and one impromptu speech of 1-2 minutes. Schools may enter up to 4 students in public speaking.

For debating, teams will have one prepared topic round, and one secret topic round (prepared on the day). Schools can register a maximum of 4 teams in the competition. If your school has already had teams participate in DAV primary level debates in 2024 your registration will be capped at two teams.

Details of this program for 2025 is TBA.

For more information, or to add your school to our mailing list, please contact the office.