These classes teach core debate fundamentals like debate format, argument construction, refutation, and analysis. Emphasis is placed on teaching students British Parliamentary style.
Advancement
Most students only require one semester of Level 1 before they can advance to Level 2.
Eligibility for advancement is determined by the instructor
To advance students must be able to demonstrate:
a clear understanding of what debate is
how to prepare arguments
how to refute arguments
how to rebuild arguments
the ability to flow a round
the ability to complete all 8 BP speeches
Students do not need to be excellent, or even good, at any of these abilities but they should understand them and practice them consistently
Questions to Ask
Although the topics in Level 1 are age appropriate, parents should be advised that they may find some of the issues discussed controversial and so need to consider this before enrolling their children.
Beginner classes初级课程 · Level 2 （Junior&Senior）
Class Content
These classes build on the foundation material in Level 1 and help students hone their debating abilities through exercises and debate topics of relative simplicity.
Advancement
Most students only require one to two semesters of Level 2 before they can advance to Level 3.
In order to advance, students must demonstrate that they are effective at all elements of debate including:
role fulfillment
case construction (including modelling)
argumentation (PAEL)
refutation
flowing rounds
rebuilding
filling time
offering and accepting POIs
Students do not need to excel at any of these skills but should be able to demonstrate them consistently each week in class.
Eligibility for advancement is determined by the instructor
Questions to Ask
Although the topics in Level 2 are age appropriate, parents should be advised that they may find some of the issues discussed controversial and so need to consider this before enrolling their children.
To join Level 2 directly, students should be familiar with British Parliamentary and have participated in several rounds in this format.
Intermediate classes中级课程
Level 3 （Junior&Senior）
Student Requirements
Level 3 is appropriate for students that have completed Level 2 and been recommended for advancement.
Students with lots of familiarity with debate, particularly BP style debating, may be able to join Level 3 directly. These students should have attended competitive tournaments in BP style.
Students in grade 9 or younger should join Jr. Level 3. Both classes offer similar content and the division is based on age.
Level 3 students are usually in high school although some grade 7/8 students may be eligible.
Class Content
These classes focus students on developing the skills students require for competitive tournaments. These skills include:
being prepared for impromptu resolutions (15 minute prep time)
effective/winning argumentation
time management
identifying important issues in rounds
general improvement on LV2 abilities
The topics are similar to those at competitive events which are intellectually challenging.
More sophisticated case building and argument techniques are introduced.
Advancement
There is no set time for student advancement. Some students advance quickly while others remain in Level 3 for longer periods of time. The main reasons students advance are a) improvement through tournament attendance; and b) through additional work in debate clubs or independent studies.
Students are selected for advancement when they are at or near the point that they could do well at a competitive high school event.
Eligibility for advancement is determined by the instructor.
Questions to Ask
Students applying for direct entry into a Level 3 class should be able to show strong tournament results from BP style competitive events.
Students will typically also have extensive debate experience through a club at their school or from other classes.
