Among Canada’s top boarding schools, debate is a vibrant and well-respected activity. At Lakefield College School (LCS), our students recognize that it’s great to be smart and motivated! Debates are held on campus every other week, where our debate club members flex their public speaking muscles in front of supportive audiences of their peers.
Students in top independent day and boarding schools are certain to encounter debates as either a spectator or a participant. Why not encourage them to stand up and join in? With coaching in debate procedures, strategy and etiquette, every student can take advantage of the many benefits debate club has to offer.
1. Boarding School Debate Helps to Develop the Leaders of Tomorrow
Debate clubs provide a forum for the open exchange of ideas. They’re about analyzing real-world issues from diverse perspectives, and tackling some of our society’s toughest topics.
Today’s debaters master a variety of skills that serve them well beyond graduation. Confident, persuasive public speaking, critical thinking, independent research, collaborative teamwork, strategic planning and more are at the heart of each boarding school debate.
According to research groups like the International Debate Education Association (IDEA), participating in this kind of analysis helps prepare students for leadership roles in school, in the workplace, and in political life. With some of its origins in British parliamentary procedure, debate even allows students to assume debate procedural roles like Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition and Party Whip.
“Once students have learned how to debate,” explains IDEA, “they are better able to critically examine the pronouncements of their political representatives and to make informed judgments about crucial issues.”
At LCS, we prepare our students to pursue great things! Debate club lays an especially strong foundation for futures in academia, politics, and law. If you can picture your child pursuing one of these paths, debate club is a great place to start.
2. Boarding School Debate Teams Explore the World Outside of Campus
Ask any student what they love about their time in debate club, and you’re sure to hear about the exciting trips and new international friendships they get to experience. Our young debaters regularly attend international public speaking and debating conferences in Canada and abroad.
They participate in regional and provincial tournaments, where they are strong ambassadors for Lakefield College School, consistently earning the opportunity to compete at the national and international level.
The highlights of the team’s year are the Model United Nations Forums, the Independent School Fulford Cup debates, and the International Independent School Public Speaking. These competitions provide unrivalled learning experiences for our students—encouraging them to put their research and analytical skills into practice in diverse environments against diverse opponents, enriching their education beyond the walls of any classroom.
3. Boarding School Debaters Often Earn Prestigious Recognition
Lakefield College School debaters often excel in these competitions, placing in the top three at provincial tournaments. This affords them exciting chances for recognition and prestigious opportunities here in Ontario and abroad.
For example, in recent years, our senior boarding school debaters have advanced to the national finals in Ottawa, held in Canada’s Senate Chambers. In the company of honourable guests including Canadian Senators and distinguished speakers from Canada’s literary scene, our students have participated in panels and tournaments they’ll never forget.
Providing outstanding additions to any student’s resume and university applications, these experiences enrich our student body and shine the spotlight on children like yours!
Would you like your child to hone their debating skills at the best boarding school in Canada?
Visit LCS to learn about getting started.