Public speaking and debating are long-established traditions at St. Mary's Secondary School, where students are encouraged to develop the confidence, critical thinking and communication skills that will serve them well both in school and beyond.
Under the guidance of our Debating and Public Speaking Coordinator, students participate in a wide range of local, regional and national competitions each year. These experiences help students to become articulate speakers, effective listeners and respectful, informed debaters.
Our students have represented St. Mary's with distinction in numerous prestigious competitions and events, including:
- Concern Debates
- The Irish Schools Debating competitions
- Public speaking competitions
- Local and regional debating tournaments
- Educational debating workshops and masterclasses
Throughout the year, students have the opportunity to engage with experienced debaters, university debating societies and visiting speakers, allowing them to develop advanced debating techniques, persuasive speaking skills and confidence in presenting their ideas.
Many of our students have progressed to advanced training programmes and have been selected to attend specialist debating workshops hosted by leading universities and debating organisations. These opportunities allow students to collaborate with like-minded young people from schools across Ireland while further enhancing their public speaking and leadership abilities.
Participation in debating and public speaking develops valuable life skills, including:
- Critical and analytical thinking
- Research and evidence-based argument
- Public speaking and presentation skills
- Confidence and self-belief
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Respectful discussion and active listening
At St. Mary's, we are proud of our strong tradition of excellence in debating and public speaking. The programme continues to grow each year, with students of all abilities encouraged to become involved, challenge themselves and find their voice.