For schools ?

Given that nearly all of our volunteers are still in High School, we only run our workshops in December. For 2024, all of our sessions will be run from the 9th-19th of December. All eastern suburbs sessions are full this year, but we still have places in our western suburbs program.

Our workshops cover a variety of topics integral to the debating and public speaking proccess. Our award-winning curriculum covers three broad areas:</p><p>Speechwriting, which includes learning how write persuasively and utilize literary devices. Manner, which includes speech analysis and usage of gestures, expressions and the voice control methods of tone, volume, and speed. Finally students will learn about rebuttal, and how to engage with arguments and think critically about ideas.</p><p>Our workshops subscribe to the Constructivist learning style, and we aim to foster discussion and a sense of excitement for oratory skills.</p><p>Each of our workshops culminate with a debate between volunteer students, allowing them to demonstrate their knowledge and what they&#8217;ve learnt, reinforcing their learning and providing an opportunity for self-reflection.

All of our workshops are taught by young volunteers, ranging in age from 15-19. These young people are passionate about instilling public speaking skills and making a difference in their community, and are usually deeply embedded within public speaking competitions and debating programs. All volunteers over 18 hold a valid working with childrens check.

Whilst we invite all schools to apply for our workshops, sadly we cannot guarantee workshops for all of metropolitan Melbourne. This is because we are limited because of our volunteer numbers and where we can send them. However, we do encourage all schools to get in touch, and we will attempt to make any and all workshops occur.