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, 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 30 24 1 1981
First and only dedicated Voice & Empowerment Certificate (VOICE10) in the nation.
Number of member institutions in the Debate Association of New England Independent Schools (DANEIS) league.
World-Qualifying tournament hosted on campus at SBS each year.
Number of SBS students who have ranked as World Competitors in Debate & Public Speaking and competed internationally, domestically, and virtually.
Year the SBS Debate & Public Speaking Society was founded. The tradition of debate & public speaking spans more than a century in SBS’s history.
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Questions?
Please contact the Admissions Team at admissions@sbschool.org
Profile of an SBS Student
Multi-Dimensional Learner:
• finds joy and power in learning
• engaged in and out of class and demonstrates comprehension of subject matter
• curious, questioning, and intrigued about multiple subject areas
• takes risks knowing that they are in a supportive and safe space to push their own limits
• fully engages with faculty and students in both one-on-one, group, and class settings and proactively seeks help and guidance
Aspirational Leader:
• seeks opportunities to raise their hands, present an idea, or try something new
• is courageous as defined by them
• is finding their voice, looking for ways to advocate while learning from their peers
• practices physical, emotional, and mental self care and proactively seeks help when needed
Committed Community Member:
• creates space for others, listens empathetically, and thinks deeply about fairness and equity
• embodies the SBS Community Equity and Justice Vision Statement, fulfilling the expectation that all students are valued, supported, and empowered to be their best selves
• actively listens to different points of view and seek opinions that are not like theirs
• participates in school activities, both formal and informal, and helps others who might need assistance in identifying their place of belonging at SBS
• seeks to make the world a better place for all
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