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.  

**NEW THIS YEAR** A specialized Speech Academy will prepare students for everyday communication skills as well as the opportunity to participate in Speech Tournaments!

**NEW THIS YEAR** A French Debate Academy (Académie de Debat et Oratoire) will be offered in Saskatoon.

Students in grades 5 to 10 will meet once a week for ten weeks each term. Classes will be divided by age and skill level. 

  • Fall Term, 10 classes, September to November, 2026
  • Winter Term, 10 classes, January to March, 2027
  • Spring Term, 10 classes, April to June, 2027 

Registration

  1. Students must be a SEDA member in the 2026-2027 year to access Speech and Debate Academy. If you have not already, register your child as a member before you register them for Academy! After you have registered your child as a SEDA member, come back to this page and do step two!
  2. Register your child for Academy classes HERE.
  3. You will be sent a link to pay by credit card within 48 hours of registering.

Debate Classes

Debate classes are designed for students in grades 5-10 who have any level of speech and debate experience; brand new debaters are welcome, as are experienced debaters looking to refine their skills. In debate classes, students will: 

  • Build confidence speaking in front of others. 
  • Think critically about complex issues. 
  • Build compelling arguments supported by evidence and examples. 
  • Advocate for ideas confidently and respectfully.
  • Give and recieve constructive feedback and use it to improve. 
  • Refine debate-specific skills such as refutation, argument construction, and motion analysis.

Saskatoon Classes hosted at École Canadienne-Française - Pavillon Gustave-Dubois

  • For students in grades 5 to 10
  • English or French options
  • Thursday evenings, 6:00 - 7:30
  • $200 per term

Regina Classes hosted at Regina Huda School

  • For students in grades 5 to 10
  • Wednesday evenings, 6:00 - 7:30
  • $200 per term

 Virtual Classes hosted on Zoom

  • For students in grades 5 to 10
  • Wednesday evenings, 6:00 - 7:30
  • $200 per term

Advanced Classes hosted at École Canadienne-Française - Pavillon Gustave-Dubois

  • For students in grades 7-12 with three years of previous debate experience.
  • Wednesday evenings, 6:00 - 7:30
  • $250 per term
  • First term led by Anywn Diakuw, a former Team Canada Member with more than 8 years of coaching experience, who judges at national competitions. Students can expect to learn and practice advanced debate skills. Instructors will tailor teaching to the group.

Speech Classes

NEW THIS YEAR - Dedicated Speech Academy!

Speech classes are for students with little or no speech experience, or those who want to develop and refine their current skills. In Speech classses, students will: 

  • Build confidence speaking in front of others. 
  • Communicate ideas clearly by structuring and delivering persuasive speeches. 
  • Learn communication and speaking skills. 
  • Prepare persuasive speeches, interpretive readings, and practice impromptu speaking.

Virtual Speech Classes hosted on Zoom

  • For students in grades 5 - 10
  • Tuesday evenings, 6:00 - 7:30
  • $200 per term