Read our 2022 annual report
Concern's objectives, activities and achievements in 2022 can be found in our new annual report.
Read the report
Knowledge Hub
Evidence-based learning, evaluations, research, guidance, manuals, tools and programme updates.
Debate Materials
Research and preparation are important parts of debating. On this page, you will find information, resources and videos for teachers to help you support and mentor your team!
Contact debates@concern.net to ask the Concern Debates team any questions you may have or to find out more about our training sessions.
Motions and dates 2023-24
Find information about league phase motions in the PDF below! You can also visit our Trello board which has useful links to get you started on your research.
Concern Debates Teacher Tips Video
Watch our training video below which takes you step by step through the process of participating in the Concern Debates programme.
Former teacher Linda Golden gives some advice for new teachers
Former teacher and current adjudicator Linda Golden shares some of her tips for teachers on approaching the Concern Debates programme.
Programme Resources and Materials
Check out our range of Concern Debates resources below where you will find information on how to structure a speech, what adjudicators are looking for, the roles of timekeeper and chairperson and what’s involved with refutation and rebuttal.
You will also find information on how to access the online debates platform - where you upload your recorded debates during the league phase.
We would strongly encourage teachers to read all the material below as it will greatly help the chances of your team progressing in the programme.
Download
Concern Debates Rules and Regulations.pdf
(PDF, 170 kB)
Published: 7 February 2022
Teacher Tips.pdf
(PDF, 1 MB)
Published: 7 February 2022
Refutation and Rebuttal Adjudicator and Teacher Tips.pdf
(PDF, 191 kB)
Published: 7 February 2022
How To Structure Your Speech.pdf
(PDF, 181 kB)
Published: 7 February 2022
Debates Online platform - A guide for teachers.pdf
(PDF, 1 MB)
Published: 7 February 2022
Chairpersons Sample Speech.pdf
(PDF, 320 kB)
Published: 7 February 2022
Timekeepers Role.pdf
(PDF, 158 kB)
Published: 7 February 2022
Timekeepers Sheet.pdf
(PDF, 750 kB)
Published: 7 February 2022
Concern Debates - Glossary.pdf
(PDF, 2 MB)
Published: 7 February 2022
Marking Sheet Guide Teacher and Adjudicator.pdf
(PDF, 1 MB)
Published: 7 February 2022
Marking sheet.pdf
(PDF, 244 kB)
Published: 7 February 2022
Debates Room Setup Online.pdf
(PDF, 1 MB)
Published: 7 February 2022
Download
Preparing for your debate Student Tips.pdf
(PDF, 180 kB)
Published: 7 February 2022
Timekeepers Role.pdf
(PDF, 158 kB)
Published: 7 February 2022
Concern Debates - Glossary.pdf
(PDF, 2 MB)
Published: 7 February 2022
Timekeepers Sheet.pdf
(PDF, 750 kB)
Published: 7 February 2022
Refutation and Rebuttal Student.pdf
(PDF, 235 kB)
Published: 7 February 2022
How To Structure Your Speech.pdf
(PDF, 181 kB)
Published: 7 February 2022
Chairpersons Sample Speech.pdf
(PDF, 320 kB)
Published: 7 February 2022
Marking sheet.pdf
(PDF, 244 kB)
Published: 7 February 2022
Global Citizenship Education Resources
You can find resource booklets focusing on the SDGs, posters and podcasts and worksheets from last year's motions on our secondary schools resources page.
Safeguarding Guidelines
