Concern Staff Christina at the Concern Debate Finals. Photo: Ruth Medjber / Concern Worldwide.

Debate materials

We’ve got a host of Debating material for you to download and if you’re still hungry for more, you can attend one of our teacher training sessions or organise a student online workshop.

Contact debates@concern.net to attend a teacher information session or to schedule an online workshop with your students

Concern Debates Online Teacher and Student Video Guide

Check out our handy online video guide which explains the changes to the Concern Debates programme. In light of social distancing, we have had to make some changes as to how we run the Concern Debates. This video below will expertly guide you through the new online process and give tips on how your team can succeed

Debates podcast

Listen to our new podcast 'Debating Development'. The series aims to support teachers, student and adjudicators involved with the Concern Debates programme. Concern staff and former debaters are on hand to discuss top tips for succeeding in the competition and analysing some of the motions to give your team a head start!

Debates workshops

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 online debates webinars.

Due to social distancing restrictions, we are unable to offer workshops in person but are available to run online webinars with students and their teachers. We will got through the rules of the competition, tips for writing a good speech and support with refutations and rebuttals.

We are also available to support teachers with technical support such as uploading videos of student speeches and any questions about the programme.

Concern Debates champions St. Kilian's German School from Clonskeagh holding their trophies at The Helix, Dublin. Photo: Ruth Medjber/Concern Worldwide.

Concern Debate finalists 2019. Photo: Concern Worldwide.

St. Kilian's German School at the Concern Debate Finals 2018. Photo: Ruth Medjber / Concern Worldwide.

Concern Debate Finals in the Helix Theatre. Photo: Ruth Medjber / Concern Worldwide.

Adjudicators watch on as a debate takes place. Photo: Concern Worldwide.

2017 Debates finalists St. Mary’s CBS Carlow and Sacred Heart Secondary School, Clonakilty at the unveiling of the motion for the final. Photo: Concern Worldwide.

Scenes from the 2016-2017 Concern Debates Final, The Helix, Dublin. Photo: Ruth Medjber / Concern Worldwide.

St. Mary's CBS at the Concern Debates Semi-Final. Photo: Ruth Medjber / Concern Worldwide.

Debate materials

Check out our range of Concern Debates handbooks and marking sheets to help you get started.

Key Dates for Debates 2020-2021|PDF(134 KB)

Adjudicators Handbook 2020|PDF(5 MB)

Adjudicator marking sheet and feedback form |PDF(694 KB)

Debates Handbook 2020|PDF(7 MB)

Rounds 1-5 Motions Research Links |PDF(335 KB)

Debates Online Teachers Guide |PDF(492 KB)

Debates Teacher Training |PDF(2 MB)

Debates Adjudicator Training |PDF(2 MB)

Debates Parental Consent Form |DOCX(35 KB)

Video tutorials for students

These five videos provide a step-by-step guide to succeeding at the Concern Debates.

Part one

Part two

Part three

Part four

Part five

Concern Debates final video

Check out the fantastic debate between finalists, Largy College and Sandford Park School. If you are looking to participate in the Concern Debates programme next year, but you're not sure where to start, this video will give a great insight into how the debates are structured.