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 5 to 10 will meet once a week for ten weeks each term. Classes will be divided by age and experience 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 for the Fall term will open in August! 

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
  • Dates and times TBC
  • $200 per term

Regina Classes at Regina Huda Academy 

  • For students in grades 5 to 10
  • Dates and time TBC
  • $200 per term

 Virtual Classes  

  • For students in grades 5 to 10
  • Dates & times TBC
  • $200 per term

Speech Classes

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 

  • For students in grades 5 - 10
  • Exact dates TBC
  • $200 per term

 

Our People

Chelsea Holt

Program Manager

Chelsea is a trained educator, musician, and library technician. As the Program Manager, Chelsea oversees all aspects of Speech and Debate Academy, including instructors, curriculum, and communication. In her spare time, she plays in the Saskatoon Philharmonic Orchestra, crochets, and reads a lot of books.

Instructors TBD!