The Altos Academy Speech and Debate Camp will focus on teaching students core skills such as: refutation, logic, argument construction, active listening, and much more! We’ll be utilizing the Parliamentary Debate format — a 2 vs 2 spontaneous debate format where students receive a topic and then have 20 minutes to construct their case alongside their partner. Parliamentary Debate is a fantastic format for teaching students how to think on their feet as well as develop basic research skills. Through a series of activities, mini-lectures, games, and practice speeches and debates, students will work on building their confidence and presence as speakers.
Grades 6-8 will operate off of developmentally appropriate topics that are both timely and intellectually challenging. Topics of debate will include: the value of standardized testing, environmental policies, as well as the role of AI in an increasingly complex globalized world. Our week-long session will culminate in a short scrimmage tournament where students have an opportunity to showcase their newfound knowledge and skills.
