Benefits Of The BDGA Model

The BGDA offers a range of benefits to both schools with established debating programs and those new to the debating. Listed below are just a few reasons why the BGDA will be beneficial to both participating students and schools. 

Optimised Format

  1. All teams have the opportunity to participate in a minimum of five debates; 
  2. Draws are determined week-to-week based on a system of bracket folding which has teams of similar aptitudes against one another; 
  3.  Debates begin early in order to have reduced impact on participants’ studies and lives; 
  4. All debates are short preparation style which provide students significantly more opportunities to improve upon their time management and team skills; 
  5. Interesting topics will be set that encourage the girls to engage with current affairs and the wider world around them; 
  6. Extended speaking times for younger year levels gives girls the opportunity to develop their debating techniques, while the older students are able to consolidate their skills for future  debating opportunities;
  7. All debates are held in the same location to reduce the hassle of organising participants

Extended, Qualified Adjudications

  1. Adjudications have a set time of 20 minutes;
  2. Our adjudicators are highly qualified and have represented Queensland and Australia on national and international levels at school and university levels. They understand the current 'trends' in debating and will provide contextually relevant feedback;
  3. Adjudicators are trained to be consistent across the competition, focusing on both basic structural techniques and issues, and more complex analytical techniques depending on the teams and individuals.

Low Cost

  1. The BGDA aims to keep the Competition at the lowest possible cost. 
  2. Understanding that even this fee may present a financial difficulty, the BGDA offers partial or whole fee waivers. 
The BGDA’s short prep format, combined with the guidance and advice of highly experienced adjudicators, really helped me develop as a debater. More importantly, it was a super fun experience and made me even more passionate about debating.
- Selina Saint-Saëns, 2013 Participant

Recognition For High Achieving Students

  1. The Best Speaker of the preliminary rounds is recognised on the Finals Night and will receive an award as well as a cash prize. This is determined by our Best Speaker Policy.
  2. Teams are fairly and transparently selected for the Finals in keeping with our Finals Qualification Policy.
  3. Winning teams will be receive a trophy,  and a prize for each team member.