Debate Classes For Children & Teens In Auckland
Learn to think clearly, argue effectively and speak with confidence.
Debating teaches young people to do more than speak in front of an audience. Students learn to build an argument, think critically, respond under pressure and communicate their ideas persuasively.
Ten Feet Tall Debate classes give students regular opportunities to learn debating skills, practise through structured activities and put those skills into action in debates.
Years 5–13 | Small-group classes across Auckland
The Ten Feet Tall Debate Pathway -What will my child learn?
Our Debate programme follows a clear progression. Students build strong foundations before moving into increasingly sophisticated argument, rebuttal, strategy and competitive debating.
New to Ten Feet Tall? Start with Foundations.
Book into the Foundation class for your child’s age group. During their first two lessons, we’ll get to know them and recommend the programme and level that will suit them best.
Junior Foundation Debate | Years 5–6
A practical introduction to debating that builds confidence and strong foundations.
Students learn to:
- Build a simple argument using Point, Explanation and Example
- Explain why an argument matters
- Speak with clear voice, pace and eye contact
- Understand speaker roles
- Listen to the opposing team
- Identify and respond to an opposing argument
- Work effectively as part of a debating team
Students move from Junior Debate into the appropriate Year 7+ level when they are ready.
Foundation Debate | Years 7–10
Students develop the core skills needed to participate confidently and independently in a debate.
Students learn to:
- Build well-developed arguments
- Use examples and evidence effectively
- Explain the impact of an argument
- Deliver clear, structured speeches
- Develop confident speaking style
- Identify weaknesses in opposing arguments
- Deliver effective rebuttal
- Understand team roles and debate structure
- Prepare effectively within a time limit
Students typically spend 1–2 years at Foundation level while developing consistency across these skills.
Capable Debate | Years 7–10
For students who have mastered the foundations and are ready for greater complexity, independence and strategic thinking. (New in 2027)
Students develop:
- More sophisticated argument and analysis
- Strong comparative reasoning
- Effective models and definitions
- Stakeholder analysis
- Deeper rebuttal
- Prioritising the most important clashes in a debate
- Strategic speaker roles
- Confident preparation under time pressure
- Stronger teamwork and case development
Students are expected to apply their debating skills increasingly independently.
Advanced Debate | Years 9–13
Our highest-level programme for experienced students ready for challenging and competitive debating.
Students develop:
- Sophisticated argumentation and analysis
- Advanced rebuttal and comparative reasoning
- Strategic case construction
- Clash and weighing
- Confident impromptu preparation
- Advanced speaker strategy
- Persuasive delivery
- Team strategy and collaboration
Advanced students work with the expectations and style of Auckland Schools Debating, preparing them for school and competitive debating opportunities.
Clear Progression
Students don't move levels simply because they have completed a certain number of terms.
Our coaches assess development across key debating skills including:
Argument Building • Speaking Style • Rebuttal • Debate Structure • Preparation • Teamwork
Students progress when they can demonstrate the required skills independently and consistently.
This means every level has a purpose — and students have a clear goal to work towards.
Ten Feet Tall Promise
What you can expect when your child learns with us.
More opportunities to participate, individual coaching and communication skills that grow with them.
Every Student Speaks
No sitting at the back and watching. Every student has opportunities to speak, participate, practise and perform in every class.
Every Student Is Coached
Every student receives individual feedback and practical guidance — so they know what they're doing well and what to work on next.
Small Groups. More Doing.
Smaller classes mean more opportunities to speak, perform, practise and receive attention from their coach.
Skills They Can Actually Use
Students develop voice, expression, public speaking, listening, collaboration and performance skills they can use at school and beyond.
Progress You Can See
Structured programmes build skills over time — from first steps in speaking and performing to sophisticated communication and performance.
We don't need every child to become a performer. We want every child to know they have something worth saying — and the skills and confidence to say it.
Find Debate Class in Auckland
Whether your child is trying Debate for the first time or is ready for advanced competitive debating, there is a clear pathway for them to develop.
New to Ten Feet Tall? Start with Foundations.
Book into the Foundation class for your child’s age group. During their first two lessons, we’ll get to know them and recommend the programme and level that will suit them best.
Junior → Foundation → Capable → Advanced
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