St. Andrew’s has a long and successful history of competitive debate and public speaking. Every Monday after school, Upper School boys meet from 3:45 until 5:30 to develop their public speaking skills, to practice impromptu, extemporaneous, and persuasive speeches, as well as to prepare and present parliamentary-  and cross-examination-style debates. Students must commit to at least one term of active participation and attendance in order to be eligible for the club.

Boys who are chosen to represent the College in local, provincial, national, and international tournaments meet for additional practice sessions in the months leading up to tournaments and competitions. In recent years, the team has enjoyed achievement in Vancouver, British Columbia and Winnipeg, Manitoba (2012), Ottawa, Ontario and Brisbane, Australia (2011), Boston, MA (2009), London, England (2007), Cape Town, South Africa (2006), Montreal, Quebec (2005), Winnipeg, Manitoba (2004), and this fall will be heading to Calgary to compete in the IISPSC, an international tournament that was hosted by SAC in 2006.

St. Andrew’s has been a member of the Fulford League since its inception, and competes three times yearly in this provincial tournament.  Other annual events in which we participate include the St. Clement’s Invitational, the International Independent Schools Public Speaking Championships, The Country Day School’s Public Speaking Competition, and Branksome Hall’s Nora McRae Public Speaking Tournament.

For the last 12 years, the Middle School has enjoyed an exciting Public Speaking Competition each spring, in addition to Debate and Public Speaking as one of many extra-curricular offerings within the Tuesday Arts Program.

If you wish to join our Public Speaking and Debate Club, please email Public Speaking and Debate coaches, Dr. Trena Evans (trena.evans@sac.on.ca) and Mr. Michael Paluch (michael.paluch@sac.on.ca).