Junior High Debate
The Fairmont Debate Program – Helping Students Gain Confidence and Essential Skills for the Future
Fairmont Private Schools believes debate competitions offer many exciting opportunities for students to gain confidence and develop essential skills for high school, college, and beyond.
With a tradition of earning awards and recognition at regional and national debate tournaments, Fairmont offers a comprehensive debate program solidifying the forensic activities of its three preschool – grade 8 campuses. The Fairmont Debate Program expands opportunities for junior high students to further their abilities in verbal communication, critical thinking, researching, organizing, and functioning on a team.
“Debate is an important component of the Fairmont experience,” said Carole Calabria, Managing Director, P-8 Campuses. “Our goal is to provide the highest level of instruction and coaching for students to fulfill their aspirations through this empowering extracurricular activity.”
The Fairmont Debate Program features the following opportunities for students and parents:
- Junior high elective class at each campus
- Drop-in debate class for 5th through 8th grade students at the Historic Anaheim Campus
- Judge training for parents
- Mentoring for debate coaches
Orange County Debate League (OCDL) and National Junior Forensic League (NJFL)
Fairmont junior high debaters compete in the Orange County Debate League (OCDL) and National Junior Forensic League (NJFL) while high school students participate in the National Forensic League (NFL). The competitions run throughout the school year.
“The best approach for junior high students to develop their critical thinking skills is to participate in a debate team,” said Benjamin Hughes, P-8 Speech and Debate Director. “Debate gives them the opportunity to become knowledgeable, strong communicators who have the confidence to stand above the crowd.”
Request Information
Ben Hughes
P-8 Speech and Debate Director
Mr. Hughes has been teaching history and English at Fairmont North Tustin Campus since 2001. For many years, he has effectively coached students to compete and succeed in debate tournaments. His efforts have resulted in helping Fairmont become a speech and debate powerhouse. He is also the founder and president of the Orange County Debate League, an independent, non-profit organization of debaters comprised of students and faculty from middle schools in and around Orange County.
For more information about the Fairmont Debate Program:
Contact Mr. Hughes at bhughes@fairmontschools.com or your campus director.
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