Read our 2018 annual report
Concern's objectives, activities and achievements in 2018 can be found in our new annual report.
Read the reportAlthough the current debating league has come to an end, there is never a bad time to show your interest. Keep in contact with us to find out when registration begins from the 2019–2020 phase.
If you’re thinking of entering a team in the Concern Debates, but aren’t sure what’s involved, contact us to find out about our debates workshops, which we can arrange at your school. It lasts approximately two hours and can accommodate a minimum of 25 students.
We’ll also be running workshops where students from several schools will come together to learn about the art of debating. At the end of the workshop, the students can put their new skills to the test in a mini-debate.
It's an excellent way to introduce students to debating. It’s also a useful way to refresh your knowledge if you are already familiar with the debates.
If you like what you’ve heard so far, please sign up below and a Concern member of staff will be in touch with further information.
Here are the several stages of the Concern Debates.
Registration
Registration for the Concern Debates usually begins around the summer holidays. By registering, you are not guaranteed a place. A Concern Debates staff member will be in touch to let you know if your application is successful. At the start of every debate phase, the dates and venues for the coming year are announced once teams have registered.
League phase
Playoff round
Knockout round
Quarter-finals
Semi-finals
National final
Some of our past debaters talk us through how the Concern Debates gave them valuable life skills, while also offering words of wisdom to current debaters.
New to Debating? Not sure how to structure your speech and gain top marks? Check out the students from Portmarnock Community School below. The full training series can be followed on YouTube or our materials page.
Each video highlights where the students are getting marked and are a good introduction to get acquainted with the marking sheet.
Concern Debates Adjudicator Handbook|PDF(2 MB)
Concern Debates Timekeeper Sheet|PDF(3 MB)
Concern Debates Adjudicator Marking Sheet|PDF(335 KB)
Concern Debates Results Sheet|PDF(2 MB)
Concern Debates Handbook|PDF(3 MB)
Concern Debates Chairperson's Speech|PDF(2 MB)
I’ve learned a lot of new skills. Last year, I was stuttering over myself while making an English presentation. Now I can go into a room and speak in front of 100 people and not be nervous at all.
If you're ready to get involved, please sign up below and a Concern member of staff will be in touch with further information.
