Northern Sydney Region Debating Camp 2025
From 17–19 September, the Collaroy Conference Centre came alive with energy, ideas, and laughter as around 200 students from 35 Northern Sydney schools gathered for the annual Northern Sydney Region Debating Camp.
The camp, designed for students in Years 4 to 6, aims to provide a rich and supportive learning environment that builds confidence, teamwork, and critical thinking through debating. Over three full days, students learned how to prepare, structure, and deliver persuasive arguments—skills that extend far beyond the debating floor.
Under the guidance of NSR Debating Coordinator Clare Banham (Wakehurst Public School) and a team of eight dedicated Consensus Education tutors, the camp offered a balance of structured learning and engaging activities. Campers attended tutorials on debate preparation, demonstration debates by experienced speakers from the Premier’s Debating Challenge, and a range of interactive workshops on effective speechwriting and delivery. A highlight for many was the chance to put their learning into practice in friendly debates, supported by adjudicators and tutors who provided feedback and encouragement throughout.
Beyond the debating sessions, the camp was filled with moments of connection and fun. A hilarious trivia quiz evening brought plenty of laughter, while the tutor “Great Debate”—on the virtues and pitfalls of classroom pets—had the audience in stitches. The stunning views and relaxed atmosphere of the Collaroy Conference Centre provided the perfect setting for collaboration and creativity.
The final day saw more than 50 students participate in the Primary Schools State Debating Championships (PSSDC) trials, where they tested their skills in multiple debates and a general knowledge quiz to select the NSR representative squad for the state championships in November.
The camp highlighted the depth of talent and enthusiasm among Northern Sydney’s young debaters—and the power of these kinds of shared learning experiences to build confidence, teamwork, and critical thinking. Consensus was thrilled to be part of the camp for the second year!
