National Schools Debates

Learners from grades 9 to 11 who are:

• Interested in developing their scientific research and information literacy skills;
• Critical thinkers; and
• Willing to work as a team to present logical, clear arguments.

Each team consists of five learners. At least two of the learners must take science-related subjects at school.

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Call for entries opening date : 1 March 2022

Closing date for registration: 8 April 2022
Closing date for video/voice entries: 6 May 2022

The National Schools Science Debates structure is not based on proposition/opposition presentations, but allows debaters to engage with one another and move toward a common resolution. Perhaps one of the most interesting features is the mini-imbizos by means of which learners get to interact with one another and share ideas through breakaway discussions and by making use of social media.

Phases of the competition

a) Online and manual registration will be opened to all schools, with there being no limitation to the number of schools per province. Schools will complete the online or manual registration form and submit to SAASTA before the closing date. Learners will prepare opening and closing statements of 2 minutes each in a video or voice note format and submit via WhatsApp or online before the closing date. Entries from districts will be adjudicated and the top 10 schools per province will progress to the provincial workshops and tournaments.

b) Provincial Workshop and Tournaments The top 10 schools per province will attend an online workshop on the debating style, and then compete in the provincial tournaments. A new topic linked to the National Science Week theme will be provided to the learners to prepare accordingly for the tournament.

c) National Tournament Provincial winners will compete at the National tournament for the title of the 2021 National School Science Debates champions.

• A reversed data billing system or a zero-rated platform will be used to support participation by all schools.
• Certificates will be awarded to all participants. Educational prizes, trophies and medals will be awarded to winning teams at different levels of the competition.

To enter the competition each school must complete the entry form and submit it to debates@saasta.ac.za or complete the online entry form.

Call for entries opening date : 1 March 2022

Important dates

CALL FOR ENTRY 2022

In order to participate in the first phase of the competition, teams must prepare and submit an opening and closing statement (as voice note or video) on the following topic:

The Importance of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Responding to Climate Change

Extreme weather events and changes in climate patterns around the world are showing us the severity of the impact of climate change. Climate change is a complex problem. There is no simple solution and many people need to work together in an interconnected way to contribute to solutions. Scientists are conducting research to generate new knowledge and explore new ways to mitigate and adapt to climate change, and limit its negative impact. Politicians and policy-makers are developing policies to support solutions to climate change. The indigenous knowledge that is collected, developed and held by local indigenous communities is also important to develop local solutions to adapt and improve resilience to climate change. Considering your chosen debating perspective, how should indigenous knowledge systems be incorporated into climate science and solutions to climate change?

• Guidelines on the topic and additional research information, as well as details on how to submit the videos or voice notes will be provided to interested schools who submit an entry form.
• We would also like for you create and include an automated email to acknowledge receipt of the entry form/ registration for schools to received once they have registered. I will send you the info for this.