Debate offers a wide range of experiences, oriented towards the humanities. We practice debate skills during CCA sessions, while also learning through other activities, such as research, presentations and current affairs quizzes.
Through debates and lectures we learn critical thinking skills that are applicable in other contexts—from essay writing to public speaking. Debate teaches us to look at the world through different perspectives that we may have never considered, and from that, we grow as individuals to become more world-conscious and empathetic. It trains our confidence and teamwork, and we grow together to become better debaters and better people.
What our club members have to say
“Debate pushed me out of my comfort zone, forcing me to consider different perspectives and the wider implications of government policies. Consequently, it has made me a much more eloquent, discerning and flexible person.”
Jamie Chay, Batch 24
“NYDC is a place where a hand is always extended to those who need it. Personally, this environment has made it really easy for me to push myself and grow, both in debate and as a person.”
Lauren Tok, Batch 23
“The culture of acceptance and openness in NYDC makes it the best place to figure out questions about the world and about growing up, with a whole community of debaters behind you.”
Alina Su, Batch 22
“NYDC really expands your worldview and it really trains you to be confident and express yourself in a civilised manner. But more than that, the most important thing is the wholesomeness and the bonds you have with your batch or as a club, which is the thing I like most about NYDC.”
Ho Xin Ping Julia, Batch 21
“What I like about NYDC is how everyone, the coaches, the students, push each other to work hard to become better informed, sensible young people. These experiences, pushing each other to broaden their horizons, becoming more logical and measured, it’s brilliant. And it really puts you miles ahead of many others.”
Mr Mark Rozells, Teacher-in-charge
“It gives me much joy when alumni come back to share their experiences with their juniors. Debate isn’t just a useful skill but it also teaches you to become a better person, to make a difference in the world.”
Mdm Kristine Oehlers, Teacher-in-charge
DEBATE COMPETITIONS
Singapore Secondary Schools Debating Championship (Division 1)
- 2024 Quarter-Finalist
- 2023 Plate Finalist
- 2022 Runner-up
- 2021 Runner-up
Eunoia Debating Championship
- 2025 Champion
- 2024 Semi-Finalist
- 2023 Champion
National Schools Debate Challenge
- 2025 Champion
Raffles Institution Under-14 Debating Championship
- 2024 Semi-Finalist
- 2023 Champion
United World College Under-14 Debate Competition
- 2024 Champion
Sydney Debating League International Debating Championships
- 2024 Runner-up (Senior)
- 2023 Champion (Senior)
- 2023 Quarter-Finalist (Junior)
- 2022 Semi-Finalist (Senior)
- 2022 Runner-up (Junior)
- 2021 Champion (Senior)
- 2021 Champion (Junior)
- 2020 Semi-Finalist
Thoburn Cup
- 2024 2nd Runner-up
Asian Youth British Parliamentary*
- 2021 Champion (Under 14)
Debate Association Debating Championship*
- 2022 Runner-up
- 2021 Quarter-Finalist
- 2020 Champion
Lasallian Debate League*
- 2023 Runner-Up
- 2020 Semi-Finalist
Singapore International Schools Debating League*
- 2022 Quarter-Finalist
- 2021 Quarter-Finalist
Hwa Chong British Parliamentary*
- 2023 Finalist (Secondary)
- 2022 3rd Place (Open)
- 2022 4th Place (Secondary)
Dunman High Debate Open*
- 2023 Quarter-Finalist
Senja-Cashew Debate Invitationals*
- 2023 Champion
Dialogic Academy Under-14 Debating Championship*
- 2023 Quarter-Finalist
*Debate Competition not held in 2024.
GALLERY
