GreyMatter Debate Semester Program | Regular Training

💫 NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION PROCESS

1. A legal guardian fills out the inquiry form
2. Email or Line communication with a GMA coach to arrange in-person or online interview with the student
3. Coach recommends a suitable class and relevant training plans
4. Guardian completes payment to secure class slots

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Tiered Progression Path

Tier 1: Basic Debate – Foundations of Thought

Target Students: Beginners with little to no experience in debating.

Course Description:
This entry-level course introduces the foundational skills of argumentation, public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork. The emphasis is on confidence-building and basic structure.

Course Objectives:

• Understand the structure and purpose of formal debate
• Develop basic public speaking, research, and listening skills
• Learn to work in teams and speak with clarity

Debate Formats:

• Public Forum (primary)

• Light introduction to World Schools

• 2–4 minutes speech time per speaker with guided case preparation

Teaching Model:

• 70% instructor-led lectures and demonstrations

• 30% structured practice: drills, mini-debates, and group exercises

• Focus on understanding debate format, argument structure (assertion–reasoning–evidence–impact), and speech organization

Topics:

• Real-world, accessible subjects such as education policy, social media, and voting rights

Competitive Exposure:

• 1–2 local, low-pressure competitions per semester

• Focus on participation and mindset-building over competitive results

Tier 2: Intermediate Debate

Target Students: Students with foundational experience in argumentation, critical analysis, and public speaking.

Course Description:
This level deepens core skills by introducing refutation, stylistic techniques, and self-prepared speeches. Students develop fluency in responding to opposing views and tackling broader social topics.

Course Objectives:

• Strengthen argument structure and delivery
• Respond to opposing arguments with logic and evidence
• Begin preparing speeches independently

Debate Formats:

• World Schools (core format)

• Public Forum (used for practice drills)

• 5–6 minutes speech time

Teaching Model:

• 50% instruction and 50% practice

• Structured sparring, argument development drills, constructive feedback

• Students begin preparing cases with limited guidance

Topics:

• Nuanced social, political, and economic topics such as government surveillance, environmental policy, and nationalism

Competitive Exposure:

• 2–3 regional or school-level events per semester

• Mandatory participation in at least one tournament

Tier 3: Advanced Debate

Target Students: Experienced debaters with strong argumentative and analytical skills

Course Description:
Focuses on strategic thinking, advanced case construction, and high-level engagement with abstract and policy topics. Emphasis is placed on self-direction and leadership in competitive rounds.

Course Objectives:

• Master case building, refutation, and clash
• Explore abstract, philosophical, and geopolitical issues
• Compete with minimal preparation and greater autonomy

Debate Formats:

• World Schools (primary format)

• Introduction to British Parliamentary

• 7–8 minutes speech time

• Training for impromptu rounds

Teaching Model:

• 30% lecture-based (strategic framing, weighing mechanisms)

• 70% drills, live rounds, peer critique

• Includes Points of Information (POIs), impromptu prep, and judging techniques

Topics:

• International relations, philosophy, identity politics, economics

• Includes assigned background research and roundtable discussions

Competitive Exposure:

• 3 or more tournaments per semester

• Students encouraged to mentor lower-tier participants

Tier 4: Mastery Debate – The Debater’s Forge

Target Students: National- and international-level competitors

Course Description:
Designed for top-level students aiming for full mastery. Emphasizes strategy under pressure, peer mentorship, and multi-format adaptability. Encourages leadership in adjudication and training.

Debate Formats:

• British Parliamentary (primary)

• World Schools (strategic variation)

• Full-length speeches, real-time adjudication, and feedback

Teaching Model:

• 20% seminar-style lectures on advanced theory, adjudication, and motion analysis

• 80% intensive sparring, tournament simulations, and student-led training

• Includes motion writing, peer coaching, and judging practice

Topics:

• Philosophical dilemmas, geopolitical crises, developmental theory

• Emphasis on dynamic analysis and stakeholder mapping

Competitive Exposure:

• 4 or more high-level competitions per semester

• Required to judge or coach at least one novice event

• Capstone options: lead a seminar or host a public exhibition debate