Welcome to the DAV Website
The DAV is a non-profit association which exists to promote debate. It
is the peak debating body in Victoria and runs large competitions for
adults and for schools across Victoria. It provides training and
resources for debaters, teachers and adjudicators.
2024 British Parliamentary Competition
British Parliamentary (BP) style debates have four teams of two speakers who debate a motion (topic). Two teams debate in the affirmative role as the Government and two debate in the negative role as the Opposition. Teams on the same side of the topic (Government or Opposition) must remain consistent with each other, but are still competing against one another. At the conclusion of the debate, the adjudicator ranks teams in the debate from first to fourth. This means that two teams on the same side of a topic may get very different results.
The DAV hosts annual BP competitions for Junior (years 7 to 8), Intermediate (years 9-10) and Senior (years 11 to 12) divisions. Each competition takes place over a single day, with students participating in a training session conducted by experienced British Parliamentary debaters, before taking part in a three round tournament of debates. The winning teams then compete for the title in a grand final, held on a separate day. The BP Competition offers students an excellent grounding in British Parliamentary style, as well as the opportunity to develop new skills in a friendly and competitive environment.
Schools may enter up to 4 teams, and each team may have 2-3 students.
The cost per team is $130.
Senior British Parliamentary Competition
Date: Sunday 8th September
Venue: St. Kevin's College
Time: 9am - 4:30pm
Intermediate British Parliamentary Competition
Date: Sunday 25th August
Venue: Huntingtower School
Time: 9am - 4:30pm
Junior British Parliamentary Competition
Date: TBC
Venue: Caulfield Grammar School
Time: 9am - 4:30pm
For more information about the program, please contact the DAV Office at debater@dav.com.au.