Debating
Learning to Lead
Where voices are heard and thinking grows
Debating at Korowa is a flourishing program that gives students the opportunity to develop confidence, critical thinking, articulate communication and leadership, skills that extend far beyond the debate floor and into life, study and future careers.
More than competition
Debating matters
Debating is much more than competition. At Korowa debating helps girls to:
- Think on their feet and construct clear, persuasive arguments
- Listen carefully, consider different perspectives and respond thoughtfully
- Enhance research, organisation and teamwork skills
- Overcome nerves in public speaking and grow confidence in expressing themselves.
Whether students are new to debating or seasoned speakers, the program welcomes all levels and encourages growth through collaboration, practice and support.
Culture
Dynamic & supportive
Korowa’s debating culture is known for being:
- Inclusive, with students at different stages of confidence and experience all encouraged to join
- Community-driven, as older and more experienced students mentor and support younger speakers
- Growth-focused, where success is measured not just in wins, but in personal development and resilience.
Students often find that debating becomes a place where friendships form, confidence deepens and a sense of fun and challenge coexists.
Opportunities
Competitions & representation
Students at Korowa compete in a range of debating formats, including:
- Debating Association of Victoria (DAV) School Competitions, where teams from Years 7-12 represent Korowa in structured inter-school debates.
- Inter-School and Inter-House debates and school events, fostering friendly competition and community engagement.
Korowa students also participate in additional representative opportunities, with some of our students advancing to state, national and international stages.
Korowa student Alice Liberman recently captained the Australian national team to a global second place at the World Schools Debating Championships in Panama.
More ways to find her voice
Korowa’s debating and public speaking program extends well beyond the DAV schools competition. Students can stretch into different formats and real-world contexts, from parliamentary-style debates to diplomacy simulations, building the confidence to speak with clarity, listen deeply and think on their feet.
Model UN
Model UN & diplomacy
For students drawn to global issues, Model United Nations-style experiences develop research, negotiation and persuasive communication.
Korowa students compete in a number of these competitions, taking on the roles of international delegates investigating international issues. For the past two years our students have made it to the final of the Evatt Model UN, held in Parliament House.
The Model UN is a prestigious pathway for students who enjoy ideas, leadership and international perspectives.
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British Parliamentary
British parliamentary debating
Students can also access DAV-run British Parliamentary (BP) debating opportunities, an increasingly-popular style where four pairs compete against each other with two teams on the affirmative and two teams on the negative. BP debating rewards agile thinking, teamwork and strategic argument, a different rhythm to traditional schools debating.
Korowa has a strong track record in BP competitions, with students appearing on DAV’s honour roll and reaching the Victorian finals of this competition.
Public Speaking
Public speaking
Alongside debating, students have opportunities to build confident oracy through speeches, presentations and performance-style speaking, skills that translate directly to interviews, leadership roles and classroom confidence.
In 2026, Korowa will host the DAV Quarter-Finals, as well as the Intermediate Public Speaking Competition.
Excellence
A culture of excellence
Korowa’s teams also compete successfully in external competitions, including the Deakin Law School Debate Competition, an annual debate competition held at Deakin University, attracting schools from across the State.
Korowa is the reigning champion of the Deakin Law School Debate Competition, and the only girls' school to win this competition.
Pathways from first steps to high performance
Korowa’s debating program is more than performance, it’s a community of learners, thinkers and communicators. It brings together curiosity, courage and creativity, empowering girls to express themselves confidently and with purpose. All students are catered for as they grow.
Early Engagement
Girls can begin participating in debating activities as soon as they are interested, building skills gradually in a supportive environment.
Skill Development
Students learn argument structure, research techniques, rebuttal strategies and teamwork, abilities that underpin academic success and effective communication.
Leadership & Excellence
Debating offers leadership pathways through team roles and captaincies. Some students go on to compete in national and international forums, demonstrating how debating can become a true extension of a student’s voice and capability.
Frequently asked questions
Do students need prior experience in debating?
No. Students of all experience levels are invited and supported to join and develop their skills progressively.
Is debating beneficial beyond school?
Yes, very much so. The skills gained, from effective and persuasive argumentation to structured planning and confident public speaking, are highly transferable and support academic, professional and personal success.
Do the students receive coaching?
Yes. Our Middle School students take part in programs run by DAV to introduce the fundamentals of debating. Our senior students are coached by alumni and university debaters who have achieved success in debating.
Book a tour to see debating at Korowa in action and discover how every student is supported to find her voice, think critically and thrive.
