Team Northern Ireland 2025-26 – Applications Open!

Who can take part

Pupils currently studying in Year 10 to Year 14 (Grades 8–12) in Northern Ireland are eligible to participate.

Team requirements

• Each team must consist of three members.
• The registration fee is £50 per team.
• Teams requiring financial assistance may contact us at selections@nissda.com.

Dates: 20 & 27 September 2025
Venue: Online
Stage 1 will consist of four rounds of debating in the World Schools Debating Championship (WSDC) format (3 vs. 3).
The rounds will comprise:

• Two prepared motions.
• Two impromptu motions.

Speakers will primarily be assessed on an individual basis, with particular attention given to their debating ability and performance. However, additional consideration may be given to strong team strategy and coordination.
Participating teams will be divided into two categories. Junior teams will debate against other junior teams, while senior teams will compete against other senior teams:

• Junior Category: pupils studying in Year 10 and Year 11.
• Senior Category: pupils studying in Year 12 to Year 14.

We expect to shortlist approximately the top 50% of speakers, based on their individual scores and adjudicator feedback across both categories, for progression to Stage 2.

Date: 15 November 2025
Venue: Online
Stage 2 will assess pupils across three key areas:

1. General Knowledge – An assessment of pupils’ awareness and understanding of a range of topics.
2. Comprehension – An assessment of pupils’ ability to understand, interpret and analyse information.
3. Impromptu Speech – Pupils will deliver an individual speech on an impromptu motion. This will be a standalone speaking exercise rather than a debate against other participants.

At this stage, selection will be strictly merit-based, irrespective of pupils’ year groups or age categories.
We expect to shortlist approximately 35 speakers from across Ireland to participate in the final stage.

Dates: 9, 10 & 11 January 2026
Venue: Queen’s University Belfast
The final stage will take the form of a three-day, fully funded residential training and selection camp at Queen’s University Belfast. The camp will bring together the 35 shortlisted speakers from Stage 2.

Day 1: Training

Pupils will receive intensive debating training, with sessions designed to develop their technical skills, strategic thinking and overall debating abilities.

Days 2 & 3: Final Debating Rounds

Pupils will compete in a series of debates. Their performances throughout the camp will be assessed to determine the final selection.
At the conclusion of the camp, we will select:

• 5 speakers for the Northern Ireland World Schools Debating Championship Team.
• 5 speakers for the Northern Ireland Developmental Squad.

For enquiries or financial assistance

Please contact selections@nissda.com.