About the Program

John XXIII Debating Challenge is a fortnightly online debating program for students in years 7, 8, 9, and 10 that occurs every Friday afterschool between 3:45 and 4:30. Participants are divided into junior(7/8) and senior(9/10) divisions. The former receives the topic a week ahead of the debate whilst the latter are only given a day to prepare. Junior and senior teams alternate, meaning that if week 1 is an all-junior round, then week 2 is an all-senior round(hence the fortnightly aspect).

Each school can register 4 teams in total(maximum of 2 senior and 2 junior), and each team consists of 3 or 4 students from the same school. Each school has a local coordinator who organises the event and answers any queries, as well as provide support and mentoring when needed. The role is held either by a senior student or a teacher. When school ends on Friday, the debaters will head to a designated room in their school and participate in the program together.