ISDS Seasonal Programmes

ISDS Debating Fundamentals Summer Programme

The ISDS Debating Fundamentals Summer Programme is a six-session beginner-friendly course that builds strong foundations in WSDC debating. By combining core debate skills with real-world themes, the programme helps students develop both debating ability and wider substantive knowledge. It is open to students in grades 8–10 and will be held online over Zoom from May 12 to 23, 2026.

Overview

The ISDS Debating Fundamentals Summer Programme is an intensive six-session programme designed for beginners to help them build strong foundations in WSDC debating. Across the camp, each session combines a core skill from the World Schools Debating Championship format with a different area of substantive content – for example, governance, international relations, and social movements. As a whole, the programme is designed to help students build both the skills to debate effectively and the wider knowledge base needed to engage with complex issues in a meaningful way.

 

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What will students learn?

By the end of the programme, students will be able to:

  • Understand and participate in WSDC debates, including speaker roles, debate flow, and Points of Information
  • Interpret motions and set up debates clearly, including identifying the key clash and building an effective model where needed
  • Construct strong arguments using practical reasoning, comparative analysis, and principled justification
  • Respond strategically to opposition material by identifying assumptions, choosing what matters most, and delivering effective rebuttal
  • Engage with major real-world themes, including economics, governance, education, international relations, and social movements
  • Speak under timed conditions and improve through feedback, developing confidence, clarity, and adaptability over the course of the camp

► Click here for a detailed overview of the ISDS Debate Fundamentals Summer Programme

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Why should you register?

  • A complete learning arc in one programme: The Summer Camp is structured so that each session builds directly on the last, helping students develop a full skill set over the course of the camp.
  • Substance alongside skill: Every session is paired with a content module on a real-world theme, so students build the knowledge base needed to argue with conviction and use relevant illustrations more effectively.
  • Skills that extend beyond the debate hall. The critical thinking, structured reasoning, and communication skills developed in the Summer Camp translate into stronger academic performance and greater confidence in high-stakes speaking environments.
  • Engage with the world: From economics to governance to social justice, the programme exposes students to the ideas and debates shaping the world, helping them build the perspective needed for both academic challenges and their future debating journey.
  • Learning that extends beyond the session: Some sessions include light pre-work to help students engage more confidently with the content, along with further reading suggestions for students who want to deepen their understanding over the course of the programme.
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Registration Details

  • Dates: May 12th, 14th, 16th, 19th, 21st, 23rd
    (Tuesdays ,Thursdays, and Saturdays over two weeks)
  • Duration: 6 days
  • Timings: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM IST
  • Location: Online over Zoom
  • Eligibility: Students in grades 8 – 10
  • For the 4 Class Package: Rs. 12,500/-
  • Experience Level Required:  No prior experience is expected of the student

 

We’ve closed registrations for this workshop – please reach out to [email protected] should you still want to be considered

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