Junior Debate 1 (JD LV1) is the ideal entry point for students in Grades 5–6 who want to build confidence in public speaking and learn how to think clearly under pressure—without jumping straight into high school-style competitive debate. Designed specifically for elementary learners, JD LV1 introduces the fundamentals of argumentation, structure, and respectful disagreement using the Junior World Schools format.
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Across 16 lessons, students learn how to build persuasive arguments, respond to opposing ideas, and speak with clarity and confidence. Classes combine team debates (Jr. 3×3) and one-on-one debates (Jr. 1×1) so students practice both collaboration and individual speaking. Motions are engaging and age-appropriate—covering topics like sports, technology, school rules, and fairness—so students stay motivated while developing real skills.
What JD LV1 focuses on:
• Age-appropriate structure: lessons, topics, and expectations are built for Grades 5–6, with pacing that helps students succeed early.
• High-support instruction: instructors actively coach students during drills, model strong speeches, and teach practical note-taking and organization.
• Core debate skills: students learn how to build arguments, take notes during speeches, respond directly to what the other side says, and improve through feedback.
• A pathway forward: JD LV1 prepares students for Junior competitions and gives them the foundation to transition into more advanced formats, including British Parliamentary, when ready.
Parents can expect regular homework to reinforce class skills through short readings, simple research, and topic exploration. By the end of the course, students will have completed multiple structured debates and developed the confidence and tools they need for future academic and extracurricular success.
Junior Debate 2 (JD LV2) is the next step for Grades 5–6 students who have completed JD LV1 (or have equivalent experience) and are ready for more structured strategy and higher expectations. JD LV2 deepens students’ ability to organize speeches, build stronger cases, and engage more directly with opposing arguments within the Junior World Schools format.
Over 16 lessons, students debate weekly, sharpen rebuttal and rebuilding skills, and learn to make their speeches more persuasive through structured feedback. Motions are more challenging and imaginative—ranging from school policy questions (like open-book testing) to big ideas (like digital immortality)—while remaining accessible for younger debaters.
What JD LV2 adds:
• Stronger speech structure: students learn clearer signposting, better prioritization, and more strategic speech planning.
• Advanced Junior WSDC skills: students practice rebuilding, Points of Information (POIs), and stronger third speeches.
• Consistent coaching and feedback: instructors continue to actively support students with real-time coaching, note-taking systems, and targeted feedback (using the TDA Note Taking Guide).
• Preparation for the next level: JD LV2 positions students to excel in Junior competitions (Grades 4–9) and transition smoothly into British Parliamentary—often even before Grade 7.
Homework in JD LV2 focuses on building background knowledge for topics and learning to prep efficiently, while class time prioritizes execution: speaking reps, structured debates, and measurable improvement week to week.
