Resources for Student Debaters
Resources to help young people prepare for debates.
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Primary School Debates
The Concern Primary Debates is a fun educational programme aimed at senior primary students.
The Concern Primary Debates are run in conjunction with Education Support Centres across Ireland, and this year the debates will run both online and in person. We have free downloadable resources to get your class started below.
The Concern Primary Debates is open to senior primary classes.
If you have any questions, please contact us at primarydebates@concern.net and a Concern member of staff will be in touch with further information.
Concern Primary Debates Explainer
Check out our video which will guide you through the Concern Primary Debates Programme!
Primary Debates Handbook.pdf
(PDF, 2 MB)
Published: 7 February 2022
In Person Primary Debates Room Setup - Concern Primary Debates.pdf
(PDF, 1 MB)
Published: 15 July 2024
Primary Debates Room Setup Online Primary.pdf
(PDF, 1 MB)
Published: 15 July 2024
Primary Debates Timekeeper Sheet.pdf
(PDF, 183 kB)
Published: 15 July 2024
Primary Debates Adjudicator Marking Sheet 2024 Form.pdf
(PDF, 303 kB)
Published: 7 February 2022
Primary Debates Chairpersons Speech.pdf
(PDF, 110 kB)
Published: 7 February 2022
Motions 2024/25
We've created links and workshops to help students and teachers preparing for the Concern Primary Debates with their research on each motion..
Below are the motions for the 2024/2025 academic year. Your local Education Support Centre will advise you on which motions you are debating and whether your team will be proposing or opposing the motion.
The motions for 2024/25 are:
- Every person in Ireland should be given a bike (Round 1)
- School summer holidays are too long (Round 2)
- We should only buy Fairtrade products (Round 3)
- Our schools should be paperless (Round 4)
- The arts are key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (Round 5)
- Cities are essential to tackling climate change (Round 6 - Final)
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