We are a non-profit volunteer-run organisation that aims to develop, nurture, and promote debating in Singapore. Together with our volunteers, we reach out to those who have not yet discovered debating, and to those who already love the sport. We help schools, teachers, coaches and students by organising competitions, running training programs and camps, and providing resources for them. We work with partners from all industries who are keen to use debates as a means to achieve their objectives.
Recently, a young trio were hauled up for posting some racist comments on facebook. Some people said they were too young and silly to understand the implications of what they were saying. Others said that racism is too dangerous a problem to ignore and that they must be taught a hard lesson. What’s the right answer? How harsh should we be on youngsters who post material on the internet that may get them in trouble with the law? Should age matter? Or should we adopt a strong stand against such kids, to enhance the deterrent effect?
Well my fellow debaters, what do you think?
[Best Comment of the month stands to win an exclusive DA(S) 5-VCD debate set with accompanying guide booklets]

Motions from Round 2:
6pm – This House believes that the United States should not withdraw troops from Iraq
7:15pm – This House regrets that Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize
8:30pm - This House would impose a tax on large bonuses paid to bankers
Results of Round 2 coming soon.
DA(S) conducted an adjudication workshop for over 60 Hwa-Chong Institution students on 6 Mar 2010, as part of our effort to develop a strong pool of adjudicators for Wits & Words 2010. We have attached the materials used during this workshop for your reference.
DA(S), in conjunction with MOE Gifted Education Branch and Hwa-Chong Institution, will be organising Wits & Words 2010. Wits & Words 2010 is a national-level primary school debate competition, utilising an adaptation of the World Schools’ format, albeit with shorter speech times and greater emphasis on proper persuasive speaking style. This is the first year that DA(S) will be involved in the convening of this tournament.
We need adjudicators for the preliminary rounds of this tournament on 16 Mar 2010, at Hwa-Chong Institution, from 0900hrs – 1500hrs. Lunch will be provided. If you have some prior experience with adjudicating at the Singapore Secondary Schools’ Debate Championships or any other tournament that utilises the World Schools’ format, and if you are willing to be a part of this exciting development in the emerging primary school debate circuit, please contact Alessa. If you will only be able to make it for the morning or afternoon rounds, do let her know as well. We’ve attached the day’s programme for your reference.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Wits & Words 2010: Programme for 16 Mar 2010
The World Scholar’s Cup is an international non-profit educational foundation that brings secondary school students together online and in person to compete in a series of events related to a special global curriculum. The idea is to build an international community of future leaders and thinkers, while helping students gain new knowledge and skills. The curriculum changes each year; this year’s theme is “A World Divided.” One of the four main events of each tournament is a team debate (teams are comprised of three students).
Singapore is hosting the Southeast Asian leg of the tournament this year. The format of the competition is slightly different from the standard World School’s debate format, and adjudicators will have the opportunity to watch a variety of participants from all over the region.
The team debates will take place on 27 March 2010 at Nanyang Girls’ High School, and the organisers are appealing for volunteer adjudicators on that day itself. The event runs from 12pm to 6pm, and lunch will be provided. All volunteer adjudicators will receive training on that day itself, as well as a certificate of appreciation.
If you are interested in being a volunteer adjudicator for this event, please contact Kristine Oehlers. If you have any other queries, you may also contact Daniel.
The World Scholar’s Cup is an international non-profit educational foundation that brings secondary school students together online and in person to compete in a series of events related to a special global curriculum. The idea is to build an international community of future leaders and thinkers, while helping students gain new knowledge and skills. The curriculum changes each year; this year’s theme is “A World Divided.” One of the four main events of each tournament is a team debate (teams are comprised of three students).