Extra-Curricular Program

Debating is the art of competitive argument. SMA offers junior debating to grades 7, 8 and 9 students, and senior debating to grades 10, 11 and 12 students. There is a club level in which students can learn debating skills to use to develop confidence in public speaking, essay writing, or other related areas. There is also a team level in which students can compete with other schools, and qualify for provincial and national championships. 

Debate and Public Speaking Credit Courses

Intermediate Public Speaking & Debate 21G
This course is offered to students in Grades 9 and 10 as an introduction to the arts of formal public speaking and debating as a life skill. Students will learn the finer points of addressing an audience in a variety of speech settings, and will learn to improve their persuasion, logical, and analytical skills, along with developing an engaging style, in parliamentary and cross-examination style debates. Students are also encouraged to participate in our Junior and Senior Debating extra-curricula’s to refine their skills. This course meets after school for two hours once a week for the entire year, and is worth a half credit.

Advanced Public Speaking & Debate 31G
This course is offered to students in Grades 11 and 12 as an extension of the Intermediate course and for students with some experience, focusing on advancing their public speaking and debate skills. Students will explore argument development, how to recognize fallacy and rhetoric, and how to better use logic and philosophy to be as persuasive as possible. Students will also be exposed to the major styles of debate used in Canada and around the world. Students are also encouraged to participate in our Senior Debating extra-curricular to refine their skills. This course meets after school for two hours once a week for the entire year, and is worth a half credit.