Debate Club — Wednesday

The ESLJ Debate Club is a new partnership with Za in proti, the institute that coordinates Slovenia's national debate programme, bringing experienced debate mentors and international judges into school for a weekly club run entirely in English. Debate is a team challenge: two sides explore a question and try to persuade an audience using reasons, examples and evidence. It is not about shouting or always being right. Students learn to argue a case they may not personally hold, to answer opposing ideas respectfully, and to think on their feet under time pressure — skills that carry straight into oral exams, essays and the S5–S7 curriculum, and well beyond school.

Over a semester students will learn to speak confidently and persuasively, build and defend strong arguments, think critically and recognise unreliable information, research topics and evaluate sources, listen and respond effectively as part of a team, and strengthen their English vocabulary and presentation skills. Topics include artificial intelligence, social media, education, the environment and culture, alongside other issues that matter to young people. Each semester closes with an official student debate event organised by Za in proti, giving the club something concrete to build towards and a first taste of the national debate circuit.