Online Debate Club
Build confidence, critical thinking and persuasive communication through expert-led online debate classes and group courses, hosted by our Oxbridge and UK National Debate Team coaches.
Students explore current affairs, politics, ethics and global issues, learning how to construct compelling arguments, challenge opposing viewpoints and communicate their ideas with clarity and confidence. Sessions combine structured debates, topical discussions, argument-building exercises and public-speaking practice, with topics adapted to students’ ages and interests.
Meet our Debate Club Mentor
Alice
Oxford First-Class Graduate • Cambridge MPhil • Award-Winning Debater & Educator
Alice is an experienced debater, public speaker and educator with an exceptional academic background at both Oxford and Cambridge. She competed in British Parliamentary and ESU debating from a young age, reaching regional finals, and was the senior national winner of the ESU My Magna Carta public speaking competition.
Alice graduated with a First-Class degree in Classics from the University of Oxford before completing an MPhil at the University of Cambridge. She also has extensive teaching experience, including teaching Latin to students aged 11–18 at Dauntsey’s School, running academic clubs and supporting students with Oxbridge preparation.
As a Debate Club mentor, Alice helps students learn how to think critically, structure persuasive arguments, respond confidently to opposing viewpoints and communicate their ideas with clarity. Through lively debates on engaging and topical questions, students develop their reasoning, public speaking and listening skills while becoming more confident expressing and defending their own opinions.
Why Join Our Online Debate Classes?
Debating can be a key part of a young person's toolbox, giving life-changing cognitive and presentational skills. It gives students the confidence, poise and self-esteem as well as the ability to structure and organise their thoughts that can take them from an irrational teen to a convincing young adult.
Public-Speaking
Debate builds confidence in public speaking, analysis of arguments and strategic thinking. You will learn how to assert yourself vocally so you can best reflect your intelligence and aptitude in both school and out-of-school settings. Hone communication skills in an encouraging environment.
Broadening Perspectives
Debate cuts across topics such as climate change, social media, abortion, euthanasia, free speech, voting age and artificial intelligence. Students will have the opportunity to learn about important topical issues of economic, social, political and philosophical importance, which will have a transformative effect on their intellectual lives.
Analytical Thinking
Debating gives confidence, poise and self-esteem, as well as the ability to structure and organise thoughts. Our programmes contain key elements of logic and critical thinking that teach students how to reason and structure an argument to convincingly deliver and justify their proposition.
Oxbridge Entrance
Could you apply to Oxford or Cambridge in the future? Oxbridge admissions tests, particularly the TARA, test students' problem-solving skills, including critical thinking skills, the ability to understand an argument; and to reason using everyday language. Practising debate will serve students well for both these tests and the notorious interview process.
Choose Your Debate Club
Junior Debate Club Brochure
Explore the academic focus, discussion topics and super-curricular benefits
Sunday, 9:30-10:30am (UK Time)
Ages 14 & under
Senior Debate Club Brochure
Discover the club format, topics and what students will explore.
View Brochure →
Sunday, 10:45-11:45am (UK Time)
Ages 15+
Ready to join Debate Club?
Minds Underground’s Debate Club FAQs
What is Minds Underground’s Online Debate Club?
Minds Underground’s Online Debate Club offers expert-led online debate classes for students who want to develop their public speaking, critical thinking and argumentation skills. Through structured debates, topical discussions and interactive exercises, students learn how to build persuasive arguments, respond confidently to opposing viewpoints and communicate their ideas clearly. Separate Junior and Senior Debate Clubs allow sessions to be tailored to students’ ages and abilities.
What are the benefits of joining an online debate club?
Joining an online debate club can help students develop public speaking confidence, critical thinking, persuasive communication, active listening and teamwork. At Minds Underground, students explore engaging debate topics and current affairs, learning to evaluate evidence, consider different perspectives and defend their ideas effectively. These skills can support academic performance as well as school interviews, essay writing, presentations and future university applications.
What skills will students develop in the Minds Underground Debate Club?
Students learn how to construct a strong argument, use evidence effectively, challenge opposing viewpoints and deliver persuasive speeches. Sessions also develop research, analytical thinking, rebuttal, teamwork and confident communication. Regular practice gives students the opportunity to become more articulate speakers while learning how to approach complex topics from multiple perspectives.
Is the Online Debate Club suitable for beginners?
Yes. The Minds Underground Online Debate Club is suitable for beginners as well as more experienced debaters. Students are supported in learning the fundamentals of debating, including how to structure an argument, present ideas clearly and respond to other speakers. As their confidence develops, they can progress to more sophisticated debates, techniques and topics.
What topics do students debate?
Students explore a wide range of age-appropriate debate topics, spanning current affairs, politics, ethics, technology, science, education, economics and society. Topics are regularly refreshed to reflect important contemporary issues and students’ interests, encouraging them to engage critically with the world around them.
What is the difference between the Junior and Senior Debate Clubs?
Our Junior and Senior Debate Clubs are designed for different ages and stages of debating experience. Junior students focus on developing the foundations of confident speaking, argument construction and critical thinking through accessible, engaging topics. Senior students tackle more complex contemporary issues and develop increasingly sophisticated skills in argumentation, rebuttal, analysis and persuasive communication.
Who teaches the online debate classes?
Minds Underground’s debate classes are led by experienced debaters, academics and specialist debate coaches. Our wider debating team has included UK National Debate Team coaches, Oxford and Cambridge debating society officers, international competition winners and experienced school debate coaches, giving students access to exceptional academic and debating expertise.
Can debating help with school and university applications?
Yes. Debating develops many of the skills valued in competitive school and university applications, including confident communication, independent thinking, intellectual curiosity and the ability to analyse unfamiliar questions. It can be particularly valuable preparation for interviews and discussion-based admissions processes, where students need to think clearly and articulate their reasoning under pressure.
How do the online debate classes work?
Sessions take place live online in small, interactive groups. Rather than simply listening to a lecture, students are encouraged to contribute throughout the session, develop arguments, respond to their peers and participate in structured debates. This gives every student regular opportunities to practise their speaking and analytical skills.
How do I join the Minds Underground Online Debate Club?
Students can register for the Junior or Senior Online Debate Club through the Minds Underground website. If you are unsure which group would be most suitable, our team can advise based on the student’s age, experience and goals.