

John XXIII Debating
We are a non-denominational student-run organisation dedicated to providing an inclusive, accessible, and fun online debating environment for highschool students from around Australia.
What We Do
Fortnightly online debates are hosted on google meets. Click the button below to learn about our special international debates and our schedule
Our Beliefs
As students we all start off on even footing: driven by an open and fearless heart eager to learn. It is therefore our belief that all students should have the opportunity to connect with one another through the medium of debating, transcending geographical and social barriers. It is in the midst of impassioned discourses that divergent perspectives conjoin to elucidate the mysteries of life, nurturing the ambition and aspiration of youth.

Join Our Growing Network Of Schools
From Western Australia to Victoria to New South Wales, we have a growing community of over 80 participants from 8 different schools. If you are interested, please fill in the form below.


What People Say
“This debating expeirence was my first and it was tremendously enjoyable. Although having no previous knowledge of debating, I was able to input myself into an amazing learning environment. The topic was captivating, and while lacking experience, I was able to learn terminology, see how a debate worked and insert myself into the debate! It was a great experience.”
– Isabelle, Unley Junior Team
“Adjudicating a student lead and organised debate was an honour and a joy. The organisers have done a great job running the program. The students showed great preparation and professionalism in their speeches. The experiences gained from student lead debating will enhance the skills of all involved.”
-Mr Sammut, Teacher and Adjudicator
What We Offer
John XXIII Debating is unlike any other debating program in Australia, for our purpose is not to select the best team through competition, but to endow fellow students with the passion and intellectual curiosity which drive us.

Opportunity
From rural areas to the CBD, from selective government schools to elite private schools, John XXIII provides everyone with the same opportunity to develop their passion and partake in an extraordinary extracurricular experience.

Community
With enthusiastic students from all over Australia, John XXIII Debating connects like-minded individuals through their shared passion. With participant schools from three different states and two different countries, it is an ever-expanding network of friendship and mentorship.

Feedback
Our program is designed to help debaters improve, not to find the best team. Hence, our adjudicators always provide detailed individual feedback for each participant detailing potential improvements while acknowledging achievements.

How You Can Help
Become an Adjudicator!
From university students to teachers, we welcome anyone with sufficient debating experience and expertise to become part of the program and provide personal feedback to our participants