We are pleased to host 4 workshop options this year: Congress, Public Forum Debate, Policy Debate, and Speech events. The price is $400 for a full week of instruction as well as research and case-writing materials the students can keep to apply for future debates---and potentially tournaments---in the future! Classes will be held July 28 - August 1, 2025 M, T, Th and Friday from 9:00 - 1:00 PM and on Wednesday July 30 class will be from 1:00 - 5:00 PM. For questions please contact Stacy Fernandez - sfernandez@sjusd.org
Student choices include:
Congressional Debate (open to rising 8th graders and current team members) - Similar to the U.S. Congress, a group of students called a “chamber” debates bills and resolutions using parliamentary procedure to structure the session. A student presiding officer recognizes students to deliver speeches for or against each measure. Following a speech, competitors may question the speaker. Once debate is exhausted on a particular item, the chamber will vote on the legislation and move on to the next proposal.
Public Forum Debate (open to rising 9th graders and current team members) - a partnered debate event (2 v 2) in which students debate the pros and cons of a current events-based topic usually having to do with public policy or international relations geared towards being accessible to the public. The topic changes every 1 -2 months. In this event, you will learn crucial skills of persuasion, critical thinking and most importantly confidence. Students participate in constructive speeches and rebuttals as well as “crossfires” (cross-examination periods in which questions may flow in both directions between speakers / teams)
Policy Debate (open to rising 9th graders and current team members) - a partnered debate event in which students alternate between proposing or attacking a researched policy action and plan; plans must pass argument tests similar to the burden of proof in a court of law; students participate in constructive speeches, rebuttals, and traditional courtroom style cross-examinations.
As of 10:20 on Tuesday May 20 the speech camp is closed - all other names will be placed on a wait list. And additional names will be entered and parents notified if student has been admitted to the camp.Speech -(open to rising 8th and 9th graders and current team members) Students will learn fundamentals of public speaking/oration. They will learn the basics of speech writing. They will have an opportunity to work with veteran Leland students who have participated at the State and National level. Speech camp is closed as of 5/20 at 10:20 AM
