The Brampton Debating Society is a dynamic and inclusive community where students come together to explore the art and skill of debating. It’s a space where your voice matters, your ideas are heard, and your confidence grows with every argument you make. Our society is committed to creating a platform for intellectual engagement, critical thinking, and meaningful collaboration as we build a team that aims to excel at all levels—from within our school to renowned competitions.
We’ve started this journey with a simple yet vital focus: mastering the fundamentals of debating. Our early sessions were dedicated to understanding how to construct arguments, engage in effective rebuttals, and present ideas with clarity and confidence. Whether you were completely new to debating or had some experience, these sessions provided a foundation upon which every member can flourish.
Now, we’re moving into a promising new phase. These next set of sessions will be focused on activities designed to develop specific skills crucial for success in debating. These include quick-thinking drills to improve spontaneity, collaborative exercises to enhance teamwork, and targeted practices to refine delivery and persuasion techniques. These sessions are tailored to ensure that every member, regardless of their role or experience, has the opportunity to grow and excel.
As our skills develop, we’re looking forward to working with other schools. Plans are already in motion for Brampton to organise its very own debate tournament, a milestone event that would allow us to showcase our abilities and engage with talented debaters from other schools. While tournaments like these may not be on the immediate horizon (as we’re currently focused on personal growth and taking a measured approach), the progress each session is palpable and with every meeting, these goals are becoming more of a reality.
Beyond our own tournaments, we’ll be turning our attention to larger competitive opportunities. In the future, we’ll aim to participate in interschool, regional, and even national competitions. We aim to establish Brampton as a serious contender in the debate community. As mentioned, there is no rush to get there, but there is plenty of drive. Every step we take is focused on growth, teamwork, and building a society that we’re proud to represent.
To support our members in this journey, I’ve devised a detailed handbook that serves as a comprehensive guide to debating. It covers everything from the basics of constructing an argument to advanced strategies for handling challenging motions. This resource can be incredibly helpful for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of debate – if interested, it’s available for anyone to explore at any time.
This society is not just about competitions or accolades; it’s about the skills and confidence that debating instills. The ability to think critically, articulate ideas, and engage with different perspectives is invaluable. These are skills that go beyond the debate stage and will serve you in every area of life. Whether you’re eager to speak in front of an audience, prefer a supporting role like timekeeping or chairing, or simply want to listen and learn, there’s a place for you here. Your voice matters, and your contributions—big or small—help shape this society into something extraordinary.
Together, we’re starting from scratch and building a community that reflects the passion, dedication, and talent of its members. This is just the beginning, but with the determination we’ve seen so far, there’s no limit to how far we can go. Every argument made, every skill learned, and every connection built brings us closer to becoming a team that represents Brampton with pride and excellence.
By Limor Hirst, student
