We are delighted to announce the launch of the Cicero Cup, a brand new debating programme for 8-11 year olds (Years 4-6).
We have over a decade of experience running the London Primary Schools Debating Championships, and major secondary school competitions like the PiXL Club’s Up for Debate programme. Now, junior schools in London and beyond can take part in our specially-designed programme which blends:
- workshops with pupils
- our championships in January and February 2023 (live in London, and online)
- staff CPD for you to develop debating at your school, no matter what your level of experience.
Pupil workshops
A half-day or full-day workshop for classes or year groups, from new debaters to skilled orators.
Championships
In our championships, teams of 3 to 6 pupils represent your school. They debate in two rounds and receive expert judging and feedback. In March, the top eight teams will come to London for a live final to decide the first Junior Debating Champions.
Our first round heats in Spring 2023 will give schools the choice to take part in person (in London) or online (on Zoom). Schools choose one heat to enter:
Live in London
- Wednesday 25 January 2023, 1-5pm: Ibstock Place School (Roehampton, London SW15 5PY)
- Wednesday 1 February, 1-5pm: Queen’s Gate School (South Kensington, London SW7 5LE) FULL
Online (via Zoom)
- Friday 27 January 2023, 9am-1pm FULL
- Wednesday 8 February 2023, 9am-1pm
CPD for teachers
Online briefing and handbook to help all teachers to prepare for the competition, and optional CPD so debating thrives in your school.
Briefings: A choice of two dates for all the key information about the programme:
- Wednesday 23 November 2022, 5.00-5.30pm (on Zoom)
- Monday 28 November 2022, 4.00-4.30pm (on Zoom)
Twilight CPD: “Having a thriving debate culture in your school”: Monday 16 January 2023, 4.00-5.30pm (on Zoom)
Optional CPD: A live twilight session for your whole staff on debate and critical oracy in the classroom, so that you can start or develop a really thriving culture of debate across your school.
Registration deadline extended to : Friday, 18 November 2022
Silver (£450)
- One half-day debating workshop for up to 24 students (date to be booked between October 2022-January 2023)
- One team in the competition (includes staff briefing and resources)
- One teacher attending online twilight CPD “Having a thriving debate culture in your school” on Monday 16 January 2023, 4.00-5.30pm (on Zoom)
Gold (£600)
- All of the above, but with a full day of workshops for either two groups of 24 pupils (one in the morning and one in the afternoon), or a full day of activities for one group of 24 pupils.
Competition only (£100)
- If your school is already highly-experienced in debating, you may want to just enter the competition heats in January and February, and have your chance to advance to the Grand Final in March.
- It is still essential that a member of staff attends one of our briefing and Q&A sessions.
In-school competition
Let us run and judge an internal debating competition for you: this can be a great way to pick your team for the inter-school heats in January and February.
- for up to 36 pupils: £400
- for up to 54 pupils: £600
- for up to 108 pupils: £800
Registration deadline: Friday, 11 November 2022
If you have any questions about the Cicero Cup, please contact Debbie Newman by email (debbie@noisyclassroom.com).