How debating nurtures lifelong success in students
Students can find their own voices, analyse issues from various perspectives and become a critical thinkerIn collaboration with Capstone.
Debate calls upon students to develop their own voice to speak out on critical issues that touch upon society, philosophy, economics and other aspects of our world. Through debating, students improve their speed and depth of analysis while examining complex ideas and articulating their positions, which creates a wide range of benefits for students in all aspects of their lives.
Read more: 5 minutes with Capstone Prep Education’s Ronald Po
Academic development and personal growth
The benefits of debate extend far beyond argumentation skills. Young debaters learn to give longer, better-reasoned answers to questions, while advanced debaters excel in academic tasks that require a high-level of intellectual engagement and analysis. Debaters also excel in interviews, a critical component of successful applications to university, boarding school and other highly-selective institutions.
Parents of budding young debaters often remark how their children become more outspoken across a variety of challenging topics. As they improve in debate, students also realise that understanding arguments from multiple perspectives is necessary for success. They develop a greater capacity for open-mindedness and empathy that allows them to be lifelong learners and critical thinkers.
Career and beyond
Academic success alone does not guarantee a successful career. The people who constantly move upwards are those individuals who can persuade others with their communication skills, while offering effective solutions. Debate’s strength in developing communication and analytical skills helps students translate their academic knowledge into powerful tools for their future.
An elite program with a comprehensive curriculum
Since 2003, Capstone has been a proven leader in debate education, providing curricula and training tailored for the needs of talented youth across the Greater China region. Capstone’s coaches in Hong Kong include two Top 10 debaters in the world, one of whom is the Chief Adjudicator of the upcoming world championships. These coaches are part of a carefully scaffolded 4-level program that combines competitive and collaborative classroom settings, enabling students to participate, contribute, and voice their opinions. Regardless of their starting point, students have a clear pathway that trains them to reach the very top level of competitive debate.
International tournament opportunities
Students in Capstone’s Public Speaking and Debate (PSD) courses have won championships, reached finals’ series, and received best speaker’s prizes at the most prestigious debate tournaments in the world – including competitions at Harvard, Cambridge, Oxford, and Yale.
As the exclusive Asia-wide partner of both the Harvard and Cambridge Debating Unions, Capstone invites top debaters from both organisations to enhance development opportunities for our students through regular competitions and clinics. Capstone also supports its own official team of students who travel to tournaments worldwide. For less-experienced debaters, Capstone offers numerous opportunities for them to build their skills through attending development tournaments.
