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The 2025 Northern Ireland Concern Primary Debates final at Stormont, Belfast.

Adjudicators

Getting started and what's involved

The Concern Debates programme introduces students to important themes including poverty, justice, equality and development through the art of debating.

As a volunteer adjudicator, you’ll have the opportunity to support students by judging their debates and providing constructive feedback to help them develop their skills and confidence.

Volunteers can choose to adjudicate secondary school debates, primary school debates, or both. On this page, you’ll find all the information and resources you need to get involved with either programme.

No expertise is required to become an adjudicator but an open mind is essential. You must be able to see both sides of an argument and be able to give constructive, positive feedback.

Full online training is provided for each volunteer adjudicator and the Concern Debates team are on hand to talk you through our support materials. We ask that all adjudicators, both new and returning, attend our online training each year before the Concern Debates programme begins.

Adjudicators must be residents on the island of Ireland to volunteer. All adjudicators must be Garda vetted. For more information, please contact debates@concern.net.

Secondary School Debates

Secondary School Debates

From October to March, the programme will be online and adjudicators can mark debates remotely. The debates will be recorded by the schools and adjudicators will have one week to watch the debate and send results to us at debates@concern.net.
From March to May, the programme moves into the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final. These debates will take place in person, giving adjudicators the opportunity to attend and experience the debates firsthand.
Generally, adjudicators will mark one or two debates per school year, but they are free to adjudicate as many or as few as they wish.

Secondary School Debates Adjudicator Training Dates

Friday 28th August 12:30pm
Monday 31st August 7pm
Friday 4th September 12:30pm
Monday 7th September 7pm
Friday 11th September 12:30pm
Monday 14th September 7pm: Drop in session
Friday 18th September 12:30pm: Drop in session

Secondary School Debates Resources

The handbook, marking sheet, and feedback sheet for the secondary school debates can all be found below. Just click on the link and download to your PC/laptop.

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Adjudicator Handbook - Secondary School Debates

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Marking Sheet - Secondary School Debates

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Feedback Form - Secondary School Debates

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Debates Platform Guide - Secondary School Adjudicators

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Marking Sheet Guide - Secondary Schools

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Refutation and Rebuttal Guide - Secondary Schools

Secondary School Debates Adjudicator Training

How can I watch my assigned debate online?

Primary School Debates

Primary School Debates

The Concern Primary Debates are run in conjunction with Education Support Centres across Ireland.
This is a hybrid programme with debates taking place live over Zoom during school hours. Towards the end of the year, debates take place in-person in front of live audiences.