Academy

Speech & Debate Academy (SDA) is an after-school program where youth have an opportunity to learn critical thinking skills and practice public speaking and debate. They will be encouraged to express their own opinions in thoughtful and creative ways.  

Students in grades will meet once a week for five weeks each term. Classes will be divided by age and experience level. 

  • Term 1 - October 7 to November 8, 2024
  • Term 2 - November 18 to December 20, 2024
  • Term 3 - January 13 to February 14, 2025

Classes

Saskatoon Classes hosted at Walter Murray Collegiate

  • For students in grades 5 to 10 with 0 to 2 years of experience 
  • Thursdays from 6:15 to 7:45 PM
  • $100 per term

Regina Classes hosted at Luther College High School

  • For students in grades 5 to 12 with 0 to 2 years of experience
  • Mondays from 6:30 to 8:00 PM
  • $100 per term

 Virtual Classes  

  • Tuesdays from 6:15 to 7:30 PM (Grades 8 to 10, 0 to 2 years experience)
  • Wednesdays or Thursdays from 6:15 to 7:30 PM (Grades 5 to 7, 0 to 2 years experience)
  • $80 per term

Advanced Classes hosted at Walter Murray Collegiate

  • Thursdays from 6:15 to 7:45 PM
  • Walter Murray Collegiate, Saskatoon
  • Term 1 is focused on British Parliamentary Style
  • Homework will be assigned
  • $150 per term 
  • Student criteria
    • Students should have a strong comprehension of Canadian National Debate Style
    • Students in grades 7 and 8 need two years of debate experience or one year of experience plus one British Parliamentary Style Tournament
    • Students in grades 9 to 12 must have one year of debate experience

Elyn Achtymichuk-Hardy will leading our advanced academy classes. Elyn began coaching in 2012 and has been the SEDA Debate Camp Director, a debate club coach, private debate coach, and has coached many Saskatchewan debaters heading to Junior and Senior Nationals, British Parliamentary Championships, and the Team Canada Tryouts. In 2022 and 2023, Elyn worked with SEDA travelling across Saskatchewan providing debate instruction in schools. She delivered over 30 presentations, went to a dozen schools, and worked with hundreds of students.

How to Register 

  • Registration HERE for Term 1 by September 30. 
  • Classes may not run unless minimum registration is met.
  • There may be a cap on the number of students who can register.
  • Students must be a SEDA member to access Speech & Debate Academy.
  • Fees will be due by e-Transfer to director@saskdebate.com. Please put the students name followed by SDA in the memo line.
  • Students that withdraw less than 72 hours before the first class will still owe the full-term fee.