DEBATE AND PUBLIC SPEAKING
Learning to speak with confidence and clarity lies at the heart of the Stoneleigh-Burnham School education. From our world-class Debate & Public Speaking Society to our weekly Housemeetings to our dynamic student government and our unique Voice10 program, our students have unlimited opportunities to explore their opinions and engage their voices. For students interested in competition, our Debate & Public Speaking Society is open to any Upper School (Grade 9 - 12 and PG) student. The Society competes throughout New England in the prestigious Debate Association of New England Independent Schools (DANEIS) league. International tournaments, in which the SBS Debate & Public Speaking Society participates, are coordinated with the International Independent Schools Public Speaking League (IISPSL). Curious? “Debate & public speaking has taught me to use my voice,
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for myself and as an advocate for others. As women, we are told to be considerate of other people and not take up space. There is time to make space for others, but when it is your moment, it is time to use your voice.”
– Stella ‘24: two-time World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championship (WIDPSC) competitor
Quick Facts:
• Academic studies and countless anecdotes make it clear that being interrupted, talked over, shut down or penalized for speaking out is nearly a universal experience for women when they are outnumbered by men. • Girls’ school students are more likely than their female peers at coeducational schools to experience an environment that welcomes an open and safe exchange of ideas. Nearly 87% of girls’ school students feel their opinions are respected at their school compared to only 58% of girls at coeducational schools. • Students who attended girls’ schools, compared to coeducated peers, are more likely to publicly communicate their opinion about a cause. *Source: International Coalition of Girls’ Schools: girlsschools.org/research
DEBATE & PUBLIC SPEAKING
BY THE NUMBERS:
1
First and only dedicated Voice & Empowerment Certificate (VOICE10) in the nation.
30
Number of member institutions in the Debate Association of New England Independent Schools (DANEIS) league.
24
1
Number of SBS students who have ranked as World Competitors in Debate & Public Speaking and competed internationally, domestically, and virtually.
World-Qualifying tournament hosted on campus at SBS each year.
1981 Year the SBS Debate & Public Speaking Society was founded. The tradition of debate & public speaking spans more than a century in SBS’s history.