So...Schools...What's that all about?

So, what does this have to do with you... and what is it anyway? Here's the basic rundown on what we do and why you should be interested!

"Schools" is a program that encourages debating among secondary school students. While ability isn't dependent on an early start, the sooner people get into it the better. That way they hit college with a ready-made love for argumentation and NUIG itself.

We hold two fantastic competitions in the two main Irish debating styles. Denny's is the better-known competition which uses the Times style while "Talk it up" centres around the Mace form and is still being established. One is held before and the other after Christmas thereby giving students a chance at both. However, we don't just throw schoolies up on a platform and wait for them to speak. Workshops are held before the rounds commence. There we give helpful tips and loosen people up. Denny's always involves a prestigious Grand Final but this year we're hoping to organise an all-Ireland Mace Final too.

Now that you have a general idea as to what we're about I'll explain just why it is worth your while helping out. Apart from the simple joy of giving to others this will directly benefit you.

As a fresher it can be annoying to feel like the least experienced debater. In these workshops, take the opportunity to impart your knowledge and realise how much you've developed.

Judging involves an analysis of impressive, as well as cringe-worthy arguments. This allows you to improve your own style and incorporate key arguments into (steal them for) your own speeches. Whether they're witty or just plain loud most of the speakers are also genuinely entertaining.

If organising and helping with set up sounds more appealing we'll be delighted to have you. Whoever orders pizza is worshipped at the end of the day and we can't hold debates without booking rooms (believe me, we've tried).

Generally people don't realise that there's a social side to debating. It's a chance to have a laugh and make friends. 'Schools' isn't about babysitting because our objective is to make these students feel equally capable of putting their ideas before a crowd and to see that college isn't just an academic institute. We're also in it for the paid trips to Athenry!

Neither socialising,teaching, organisation nor adjudication is your thing? Fair enough, we don't want you. Otherwise join the society and find out more!

"I have never let my schooling interfere with my education" - Mark Twain