The DAV Schools Competition is one of the largest debating competitions in the world, with approximately 1,400 teams from over 250 schools participating each year. Students from years 9 to 12 compete in age-defined divisions across five regional debating nights across terms 1 and 2. At the end of the regional rounds, the top ranked teams in each region are invited to participate in the State Finals: a further season of six elimination rounds that lead to the prestigious Victorian Grand Final.

Regardless of whether you are new to public speaking or already a proficient debater, the Schools Competition is an excellent opportunity for anyone who wants to test or improve their debating or public speaking skills. There is no need for prior experience and the competition accommodates a very wide variety of skill levels.

Every debating team is fortunate to be guided throughout the competition by their debating coach, who assists the team to prepare for each round, views each debate and provides personalised feedback to support each student’s skill development.  In addition, all debaters in the competition have access to resources and skill-focused training sessions that support their growth as debaters.

General Information

Information about draws for the Brighton Region can be found on the DAV website.

All rounds in the Brighton Region will take place in the senior school of Brighton Grammar School. You need to arrive at the school no later than 15 minutes prior to the scheduled debate start time (for prepared debates) or topic release time (for secret or advised topic debates).

Topics for Secret and Advised Topics will be released at the DAV Desk exactly one hour prior to the debate.

You will need to provide your own transport to Brighton Grammar School on the night of the debate. All debates will be held in the Senior School (on the corner of Outer Crescent and St Andrews Street, near the school’s clocktower).

Please assemble as a team in the quadrangle at least 15 minutes prior to your debate or the release of your topic. Rooms will be posted around the quadrangle on the night of the debate.

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