By taking part in curricular and co-curricular Debate and Public Speaking, students can develop valuable skills for a lifetime, including critical thinking, confidence and public speaking skills. Debating also encourages creativity, as students learn to develop their ideas and present them in interesting, persuasive ways.
By participating in co-curricular competitions, Gray Academy students can travel to different schools or cities, make new friends and learn:
- effective research skills
- how to write and deliver persuasive, evidence-based arguments
- collaboration and teamwork
- confidence in representing Gray Academy locally, provincially, nationally and internationally
Benefits of Debate and Public Speaking at Gray Academy
We start early – In Grades 6-8, Gray Academy students begin learning the fundamentals of speech writing and speaking in front of a crowd, as part of their mandatory curriculum.
We take it to the next level – Debate and Public Speaking is an elective course for High School students who want to enrich their skills in researching topics, preparing persuasive arguments and presenting with compelling style.
We compete against the best – At the High School level, our award-winning students take part in local, national and international competitions throughout the school year. Gray Academy also proudly hosts the Asper Cup competition each year.
We have a top notch coach – Our Debate and Public Speaking program is proudly led by teacher and coach Andrew Kaplan (pictured above with his students), who also serves as president of the International Independent Schools’ Public Speaking League and vice-president of the Manitoba Speech and Debate Association.
